The number of DUI arrests in Colorado over Super Bowl weekend were down this year, compared with last year, when the Denver Broncos won the championship game. Still, this year’s numbers were enough to fill more than five 53-player NFL rosters.
Arrests made by multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state, from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, as part of “The Heat Is On” totaled 273, compared with 325 statewide arrests during the 2016 Super Bowl weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
This year, 97 agencies participated, with the State Patrol making 38 arrests. Other arrest numbers included the Aurora Police Department (29), Colorado Springs police (28) and Denver police (27).
“Itap important to make a plan to get to and from your destination before you start to drink alcohol,” Col. Scott Hernandez, chief of the State Patrol, said in a news release. “Alcohol not only impairs motor skills but also decision-making. It only takes a few drinks and one bad decision to cause serious harm to yourself and others on the road.”
Last year, nearly one-third of Colorado’s total traffic fatalities involved an impaired driver, according to CDOT.
“Impaired driving is a major issue CDOT will continue to address to help curb Colorado’s traffic deaths,” said Darrell Lingk, the department’s safety director. “Every time someone chooses to drive impaired, they are putting everyone on the road at risk.”
The Heat Is On returns March 10 for a 10-day St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) heightened enforcement period. Last year, 355 drivers were arrested during the St. Patrick’s patrols.
Learn more about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com.
