Drive Sober on Super Bowl Sunday and Leave the Penalties to the Players
STATEWIDE — As you gather with family and friends this Super Bowl Weekend, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: Plan ahead with a sober designated driver. Law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado will have heightened DUI enforcement from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 through 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4. During last year’s Super Bowl Weekend enforcement period, 275 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the three-day Heat Is On campaign.
“Over the last two years, there has been a decrease in DUI arrests over the Super Bowl Weekend and we want that trend to continue,” said CDOT Chief Engineer Tim Harris. “If you are heading to a Super Bowl party and plan to drink, please plan ahead and designate a sober driver.”
Last year there were 138 alcohol-related fatalities in Colorado. To combat this, CDOT and law enforcement agencies continue their partnership for the Heat Is On campaign—a year-long high visibility effort that combines a focus on public awareness and increased DUI enforcement.
"Unfortunately the Broncos won't be playing this coming Sunday, however we know Colorado's football fans will be watching the Super Bowl and we want to remind them that there is a stiff penalty for drinking and driving," said Colorado State Patrol Captain Jeff Goodwin. "If you're celebrating with alcohol, make the smart driving choice and plan ahead before any party or celebration begins by having a designated non-drinking driver. Driving impaired is a crime. And remember to always buckle up— it's your best defense on the road."
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:
o Give them a great spot to watch the game.
o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
o Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.
o 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:
o Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out.
o Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas.
o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
o 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.
More details about the DUI enforcement plans and arrest results can be found atHeatIsOnColorado.com. For more information about CDOT, visit www.coloradodot.info,www.facebook.com/coloradodot or follow us on Twitter @coloradodot.
