Make the Right Call Super Bowl Sunday - Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk

February 1, 2012 - Traffic Safety - Increased DUI Enforcement this Super Bowl Weekend.

Denver –Whether you’re rooting for the Giants or the Patriots, there’s one thing a prudent Super Bowl fan does -- and that’s plan ahead with a sober designated driver. Law enforcement agencies along the Front Range will be increasing DUI enforcement from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 through 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6. During last year’s Super Bowl weekend enforcement period, 303 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the 3-day Heat Is On campaign.

“As you make your checklist for your Super Bowl party, include lining up a sober designated driver or arranging for public transportation or a cab,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Nothing ruins the thrill of victory like the humiliation and expense of a DUI arrest. Our troopers will be vigilant throughout the weekend in order to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers. And don’t forget to always buckle up.”

As part of that team effort, CDOT partnered with the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association to help remind fans not to drink and drive this Super Bowl weekend. More than 300 liquor stores across the state have received posters to display at their stores reminding those hosting Super Bowl parties to “be the MVP” by designating a sober driver

“Public safety is always a top priority for our liquor store members,” said Jeanne McEvoy, president of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association. “This month we are continuing to make it a team effort to keep people safe on the roads. If you are headed to a Super Bowl party, make sure you or your guests have a safe and sober way to get home.”

In addition, CDOT has teamed up with Anheuser-Busch (AB) to distribute posters to about 100 Front Range bars and restaurants with the same safety message.

“We are partnering with CDOT to encourage adults to celebrate responsibly and make sure they have a safe ride home,” said Brooke Montgomery, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch. “Whether you are hosting a game-watching party at home or hanging at a sports bar, fans should designate a driver before the activities kick off. After all, these are our roads, and it’s our collective responsibility to help keep them safe.”

CDOT and CSP’s partnership with the Denver Broncos, Anheuser-Busch and TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) Coalition this football season paid off with more than 9,657 fans pledging to be the designated sober driver for their friends and family.  Overall, more than 220,000 NFL fans took the pledge, setting a new record this season.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

  • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
  • Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party:
  • Give them a great spot to watch the game.
  • Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
  • Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.
  • Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home.
  • Serve plenty of food.
  • Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water.
  • Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks.
  • Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
  • Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
  • Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.
  • Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.

 

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink.
  • Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant:
  • Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out.
  • Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas.
  • Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
  • Pick up the tab for their food and drink.
  • Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
  • Always buckle up – it’s your best defense on the road.

To view enforcement plans and arrest results, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.