315 Drivers Penalized with a DUI over Super Bowl Weekend

February 11, 2014 - Statewide Traffic Safety - Super Bowl weekend offered more to be upset about than just the outcome of the game, as the number of Heat is On DUI arrests throughout the weekend hit a total of 315.

Law enforcement increased enforcement throughout the state to keep Colorado’s roads safe during the Super Bowl celebrations, which ran from Jan. 31 through Feb. 3.

“We know that Broncos fans are some of the most respectful football fans in the country,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Unfortunately, a portion of fans acted irresponsibly and put everyone on the road at risk.”

Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies across the state joined forces to arrest the 315 drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 148 of those arrests took place on Super Bowl Sunday. The highest number of arrests over the enforcement period took place in Denver (40), Aurora (34) and Colorado Springs (21). The numbers are down considerably when compared to 2013 when 421 arrests were made. Preliminary reports also account for one impaired driving fatality.

“We knew that this Super Bowl in particular would be a cause for celebration this weekend, but no matter who’s playing in the game, there’s no reason to drive impaired,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “A DUI for those 315 people only made their weekend worse.”

Coloradans can expect even tougher enforcement during the next enforcement period over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The next Heat is On DUI crackdown begins Friday, March 14 and lasts through Monday, March 17.

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.