Colorado law enforcement threw everything they had at impaired drivers during Super Bowl weekend, and the results are in: nine people arrested for DUI, zero alcohol-related crashes reported statewide, and hundreds of drivers pulled over before they could hurt someone.
The massive operation, known as the “Super Bowl DUI Enforcement Period,” ran from Friday, February 9 through Monday, February 12, 2024. More than 80 law enforcement agencies across Colorado took part in the effort led by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and The Heat Is On campaign.
Statewide Results Show Aggressive Patrols Paid Off
CDOT released the final numbers Tuesday afternoon:
- 2,214 total traffic stops
- 109 DUI arrests (including 9 for underage drinking)
- 512 speeding tickets
- 89 seatbelt violations
- 176 other citations
- 31 drug-related DUI arrests
- 12 wanted felons taken off the streets
Most striking stat: Zero fatalities and zero impaired-driving crashes reported during the enforcement window.
That’s a huge win compared to previous years when Super Bowl weekend often brought deadly wrecks.
Colorado State Patrol Posts Strong Local Numbers
Troop 4A (Grand Junction area) reported the nine DUI arrests first highlighted by KJCT. Across the rest of the state, CSP troops racked up even more:
- Troop 2B (Denver metro): 19 DUI arrests
- Troop 3A (Colorado Springs): 14 DUI arrests
- Troop 1C (Northern Colorado): 11 DUI arrests
Captain Greg Houser with CSP told reporters, “Our troopers were out in force all weekend. The message is simple: if you drink or use drugs, you don’t drive. Period.”
Why Super Bowl Weekend Remains a Deadly Risk
The big game has long been one of the most dangerous nights on Colorado roads. CDOT data shows alcohol is involved in more than 30 percent of all fatal crashes statewide every year.
Last year, during the 2023 Super Bowl enforcement period, Colorado saw 124 DUI arrests and sadly one fatality. This year’s drop to zero deaths has officials breathing a sigh of relief.
“Every year we beg people to plan ahead,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “This weekend proved that when people listen and law enforcement shows up strong, lives are saved.”
Drivers Are Getting the Message – Slowly
Sam Cole, CDOT’s impaired driving program manager, pointed out a growing trend: more people are using ride-share apps and designating sober drivers on big party nights.
Uber reported a 28 percent spike in rides across Colorado between 6 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday compared to a normal weekend. Lyft saw similar numbers.
Local bars and restaurants also stepped up. Dozens of venues in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction offered free non-alcoholic drinks or discounted rides home.
One Denver bar even ran a promotion: show your Uber receipt and get a free appetizer next visit.
The combination of heavy patrols, public awareness campaigns, and easier sober options appears to be working.
Yet officials refuse to let up.
Chief Acevedo with the Colorado Springs Police Department said it best: “Nine arrests means nine families who didn’t lose someone. But nine arrests also means nine people still thought they were okay to drive. We’ve got more work to do.”
Colorado’s next big enforcement period comes St. Patrick’s Day weekend. If history is any guide, the troopers will be waiting.
What do you think, Colorado? Are the crackdowns finally changing behavior, or do we need even tougher measures? Drop your thoughts below and tag #TheHeatIsOn if you’re talking about it on X or Instagram tonight.
