(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to keep the points on the field and off your record this season, by planning a sober ride for the Super Bowl.
From Feb. 8–14, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 70 local law enforcement agencies for the Super Bowl Weekend DUI enforcement period. For safe celebrations surrounding the big game, saturation patrols across the state will remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads.
Following the Super Bowl Weekend, DUI enforcement begins for the Presidents Day week from Feb. 15-28. Combined, these make up 20 straight days of elevated impaired driving enforcement.
“If you’re attending a watch party or gathering for the big game, be a good sport and plan ahead for a sober ride home,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t risk getting a DUI or killing someone in a crash — the consequences of driving under the influence will cost you much more than a taxi or rideshare trip.”
According to CDOT, there were 231 DUI arrests during last year’s Super Bowl Weekend enforcement period. With the availability of safe-ride options such as rideshares, taxis and public transit, there is no reason to ever drive under the influence. If you have a designated driver, make sure they are not impaired before you head home.
And if your safety and the safety of other drivers isn’t enough of a motivator, consider the penalties—a lot more than five yards.
According to NoDUIColorado.org, first-time DUI offenders rack up an average cost of $13,530 in fines and penalties, including:
Increased auto insurance: $3,600
Ignition interlock service: $2,172
Alcohol/drug treatment & education: $1,000
Defense attorney: $3,650
Arrest, court & legal fees: $2,300
Department of Revenue & DMV fees: $773
“No matter which team you’re rooting for on game day, sober driving will always be the winning choice,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Our message is simple: if you’re impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. Your fellow football fans are counting on you to make the right call this weekend.”
