October 20, 2024
Fort Collins, Colorado – The nonprofit organization formerly known as No DUI Larimer has announced an exciting rebranding to No DUI NoCo. This name change reflects the organization’s expanded mission – with the support of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – to combat impaired driving across both Larimer and Weld Counties, broadening its reach and impact throughout Northern Colorado.
Since its founding, No DUI Larimer has been dedicated to preventing impaired driving, raising awareness, and providing educational resources to residents of Larimer County. The rebranding to No DUI NoCo is part of a strategic effort to extend those same crucial services to neighboring Weld County, ensuring that more communities in Northern Colorado have access to vital resources aimed at reducing drunk and drug-impaired driving.
“We, at Partners [parent nonprofit of No DUI NoCo], are so pleased to expand our coalition work in impaired driving prevention to the Northern Weld County community,” said Heather Vesgaard, executive director, and Shayna Kefalas, program director, in a joint statement. “Together, we are a voice for increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving and responsible use of substances, in general. As No DUI NoCo, we invite you to get involved in this important community issue.”
The rebranding to No DUI NoCo marks a significant step forward for the nonprofit as it continues its commitment to creating safer roads and reducing the number of DUI-related incidents across Northern Colorado.
Areas of focus for this organization include:
- A media campaign that increases the community’s understanding of its role to prevent drunk and drugged driving
- Changing local conditions to promote responsible and safe driving
- Integrating DWAI/DUI messaging with promotion of local dining and drinking to be responsive
- Collaborating with law enforcement efforts and agencies, and formalizing county-wide collaborations (Weld and Larimer counties)
For more information about No DUI NoCo, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, please visit NoDUINoCo.org or contact hvesgaard@poweredbypartners.org.
Impaired Driving Statistics for Northern Colorado
- Weld and Larimer Counties ranked 4th and 8th, respectively, in traffic fatalities out of all Colorado counties in 2022 – outranking other counties with larger populations.
- A Weld County 2022 Community Health Survey revealed nearly 1 in 5 Weld County residents report having driven within one hour of drinking alcohol.
- 18% of Colorado marijuana users reported driving 2-3 hours after consumption. But participants in a 2022 cannabis impairment study had lowered driving scores even 3.5 hours post-consumption.
- In Colorado, fatalities involving impaired drivers increased 16% from 212 in 2020 to 246 in Though fatal motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes remained relatively steady last year, fatalities involving vehicle occupants skyrocketed by 22%.
About No DUI NoCo
The No DUI NoCo coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving. This project is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and community members, working together to encourage the general public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving.
No DUI NoCo is focusing on prevention efforts – education, tools, and messaging for groups and individuals who tend to risk driving regularly with elevated BACs, and who are involved in a higher number of alcohol-related crashes. Studies have shown that young people, ages 16-24, tend to have the highest number of drivers involved in DUI/DWI crashes with a BAC at or above legal intoxication levels and are the most likely group to drive within 2 hours of consuming cannabis (Colorado Department of Transportation). The goal of the next arm of the No DUI campaign is to reduce the number of DUI/DWI related crashes with this age group at the wheel.
No DUI encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you, your friends, and your family safe.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, please “Make the Call” and contact local law enforcement (911) immediately.
Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.
Contact: Heather Vesgaard, Executive Director – Partners hvesgaard@poweredbypartners.org