Pass the Keys: Increased DUI Enforcement BeginsTomorrow

January 30, 2014 - Traffic Safety - Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

STATEWIDE — The Super Bowl is one of America’s most popular sporting events, when friends and family gather to enjoy football, food and likely a beer or two. This year’s game expects to be bigger than ever for Coloradans, as the Denver Broncos represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLVIII. As the record-setting Broncos prepare to meet the Seattle Seahawks in MetLife Stadium, fans are planning their Super Bowl Sunday celebrations.

To keep fans safe, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and law enforcement agencies statewide– along with the National Football League (NFL), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition – have joined forces to spread the message about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday. Increased enforcement will be in place from Jan. 31 through Feb. 3 to arrest impaired drivers, whether for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription or illegal drugs.

“With the Broncos playing in the Super Bowl, we expect house parties and full bars and restaurants throughout Colorado,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Motorists can expect to see a visible presence from law enforcement this weekend, working to keep impaired drivers off the roads.”

According to CDOT, the Super Bowl is one time of year when the number of DUI arrests increases. In 2013, 421 DUI arrests were made over Super Bowl weekend, a considerable increase from 2012 when 275 arrests were made. This is due in large part to increased enforcement, which will continue in 2014.

“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Unfortunately for the Seahawks, the Broncos’ offense is the exact opposite and cannot be stopped.”

If you’re watching the Super Bowl away from home, remember to:

  • Don your favorite Broncos gear.
  • Make a plan before the game begins, whether that’s having a sober friend or family member give you a ride home, calling a cab, or taking public transportation.
  • Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, remember to:

  • Don your favorite Broncos gear.
  • Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance or arrange for alternate transportation home.
  • Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Pay attention to party-goers for signs of impairment.
  • Keep the numbers for cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.

“On Super Bowl Sunday, the biggest win of the night for MADD will be knowing that fans have made plans for a safe way home before the game even starts,” said Fran Lanzer, State Executive Director for MADD Colorado. “Just as you’ll plan what team colors to wear and what food to bring, remember to add a non-drinking driver to your Super Bowl party checklist.”

The Heat Is On runs the entire year with 12 specific DUI enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large, public events. More details about the DUI enforcement plans and arrest results can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.