Denver – As Coloradans prepare to cheer for their favorite team in the Super Bowl, law enforcement agencies across the state want to remind drinking fans to act responsibly by designating a sober driver this Super Bowl weekend. More than 20 law enforcement agencies and the Colorado State Patrol are participating in the Heat Is On DUI enforcement throughout Super Bowl weekend, beginning Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. and continuing until 3 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2nd.

“Call the right play for the big game and pass your keys to a designated driver if you’ve been drinking,” said Col. Mark Trostel, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Real fans don’t let fans drive drunk. Besides, it’s a crime that can cost you or your buddies a lot of money, driving freedom and maybe even a life.”

From 2004 to 2008 in Colorado, 58% of traffic fatalities on Super Bowl weekend involved alcohol. Nationally, on Super Bowl Sunday alone, 48% of fatalities involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.

Law enforcement agencies’ enforcement plans include increased patrols and saturation patrols. Specifically, the Denver Police Department plans to increase the number of officers patrolling the lower downtown area throughout Super Bowl weekend, and will use its BAT Van (Blood Alcohol Testing Van) to process people suspected of drinking and driving.

“The Super Bowl has become an unofficial holiday throughout Colorado and the nation. We want everyone to have a good time, but if you’re celebrating with alcohol it’s critical that you act responsibly and designate a sober driver before the game starts,” said Capt. Joseph Padilla, Commander of Traffic Operations Bureau for the Denver Police Department. “Drinking and driving is not acceptable, and our DUI unit will be fully staffed to keep the public safe from intoxicated drivers this Super Bowl weekend.”

Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
• Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.