Super Bowl Weekend Enforcement Sacks 276 Impaired Drivers

February 12, 2016 - Traffic Safety - STATEWIDE — While the Broncos were celebrating a Super Bowl 50 victory after a display of defensive prowess against the Panthers on Sunday, statewide law enforcement agencies defended the roadways against impaired drivers for the annual Super Bowl weekend DUI enforcement.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local agencies collaborated for the heightened enforcement period that lasted from Friday, Feb. 5 to Monday, Feb. 8. The enforcement period resulted in 276 impaired driving arrests.

“There is no doubt that Colorado reveres the Broncos and is incredibly proud of the Super Bowl championship,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety. “Unfortunately, 276 people made a terrible choice to drive impaired and will associate a DUI arrest with this memorable time.”

76 law enforcement agencies worked together to arrest the 276 impaired drivers over the weekend, an increase from 234 arrests in 2015. The Aurora Police Department (44), Colorado State Patrol (51), and Colorado Springs Police Department (27) noted the highest arrest totals. The Denver numbers were not immediately available.   

“We certainly understand that our fellow Broncos fans celebrated the Super Bowl victory responsibly with a few drinks, but there is no excuse for driving impaired,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “Alternative transportation is easily accessible in Colorado and everyone who chooses to drink should always plan ahead.  We want everyone to be around to celebrate during the next Broncos season!"

The next DUI enforcement period for The Heat Is On campaign revolves around St. Patrick’s Day and will run from Friday, March 11 through Friday, March 18. CDOT plans to launch community educational efforts to deter the public from impaired driving in addition to the enforcement period.

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year with 12 specific high visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. More details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.