Super Tips For A DUI-Free Super Bowl

February 4, 2016 - Traffic Safety - The Heat Is On Enforcement Runs From Feb. 5 - 8.

STATEWIDE — As the Broncos prepare for Super Bowl 50, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies are also preparing for the big game with a statewide The Heat Is Onenforcement period. With kick off days away, CDOT is reminding football fans to make safe travel plans prior to game time and to never drive impaired. Aiming to keep Colorado’s roads safe, the heightened DUI enforcement period begins on Friday, Feb. 5, and runs until Monday, Feb. 8.

“With the Broncos in the Super Bowl, there is plenty of cause for celebration throughout Colorado,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “We know Broncos fans are the best in the country, and so we know that they’re smart enough to not risk a DUI. We’re asking everyone to look out for their fellow fans and to speak out if someone attempts to drive impaired.”

91 law enforcement agencies statewide will participate in this year’s campaign.  234 people were arrested for impaired driving during last year’s Super Bowl enforcement. 

“Super Bowl weekend is one of our busiest times patrolling Colorado’s roadways and arresting impaired drivers,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We recognize there will be plenty of parties where alcohol will be consumed.  Don't ruin the weekend by getting arrested for impaired driving. Plan ahead and use alternative transportation or designate a sober driver.”

Whether you’re planning on drinking or hosting a party, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Are you Drinking?

  • Before Super Bowl Sunday, devise a game plan that includes a sober driver — someone who will not be drinking at all. Leave your car keys at home and consider getting a sober ride to your destination, so you don’t have the option to later drive impaired. Great options include taxis, Uber, Lyft and RTD.
  • Make sure your designated driver is sober, not just less intoxicated than you.
  • Avoid dinking alcohol too quickly. Eat plenty of food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Just like the fans at the game, stop drinking after the third quarter.
  • When you ride home with your sober driver, wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense in a crash.
  • Use CDOT’s RU Buzzed app to track your estimated level of impairment.

Hosting a Party?

  • When sending out invitations, encourage your guests to designate sober drivers in advance.
  • Create an Uber ride code for your party and share with guests
  • Provide an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, juice and water.
  • Only serve alcohol to guests that are over 21 years old.
  • Provide plenty of food.
  • Stop serving alcohol after the third quarter (or half time).
  • Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash, you could be held liable.
  • Don’t be afraid to take away someone’s keys if they’ve had too much to drink — they’ll thank you later.
  • Allow guests to spend the night if a sober ride home is unavailable.

Or, Are you Driving?

  • If so, don’t drink. Your responsible choice can save lives.
  • Enjoy the party with food and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Offer safe rides to those who may not have prepared a sober ride home.
  • Wear your seat belt and require all your passengers do the same.

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to 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.