Super Bowl Sunday is the most-watched sporting event of the year. Even for those who aren’t necessarily sports fans, the NFL championship is a time for parties, packed restaurants and bars, and plenty of drinking. According to statistics, it’s also considered the Super Bowl of Drunk Driving.
- In California, Super Bowl Sunday sees a 75% increase in alcohol-related auto accidents compared to other Sundays during January and February, according to a data analysis from the Automobile Club of Southern California.
- Los Angeles County records 55% more DUI-related injuries and deaths on Super Bowl Sunday compared to other days of the year.
- 43% of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is compared to 31% of traffic deaths involving alcohol during the rest of the year.
Because these statistics are so alarming, law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California will be conducting a period of increased DUI enforcement throughout the weekend. This will include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols involving more officers on the road. Agencies are conducting the increased enforcement period as part of the “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign.
If you live in Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Los Angeles County and are planning enjoying the Super Bowl this Sunday, Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP would like to remind you that officers will be on high alert for impaired motorists. Do yourself a favor by planning for a ride, designating a sober driver, or using services like Uber or AAA’s tipsy tow, which will be available on Sunday evening.
Periods of increased enforcement, which commonly take place during holidays or major events, continually net large amounts of DUI arrests. Our attorneys have represented many clients who were arrested during task force patrols or at checkpoints.
If you have questions about your rights following a DUI arrest, contact our firm for a FREE case review.