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.
“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 2021. Though fatal motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes remained relatively steady last year, fatalities involving vehicle occupants skyrocketed by 22%.