Heat Is On Campaign Stresses Importance Of Designated Drivers
DENVER — The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will square off in Super Bowl XLV on Sunday. No matter which team you’ll be rooting for, the Colorado State Patrol wants to remind you that if your Super Bowl party includes alcohol, then you need to make sure you also have a sober designated driver. The CSP and 45 Colorado law enforcement agencies will increase their DUI enforcement all weekend as part of the The Heat Is On campaign. Last year during the Super Bowl weekend, 371 drivers were arrested for DUI, a number that Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the CSP, would like to see decrease. “Watching the Super Bowl is one of those American pastimes that people want to celebrate, and alcohol is often involved, so it’s important to be responsible,” said Wolfinbarger said. “Choose a sober designated driver before the kickoff. And remember, fans don’t let fans drive drunk, so never let your friends get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink.” The campaign has already shown its success amongst Broncos fans through the Denver Broncos Driver Program. In that program, CDOT and the CSP signed up a record 5,975 fans at INVESCO Field at Mile High who would take on the responsibility of being the designated driver, helping to make a larger commitment to road safety. “We’re proud of our fans for stepping up, being responsible, and designating sober drivers,” said Mac Freeman, senior vice president of business development. “We want to thank not only those who signed up as DDs, but also those fans who chose to ride with sober drivers. Just like we are a team on the field, our fans are being team players by making good decisions together.” More than 225 liquor stores in the Mile High City joined in with CDOT and the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association to hang up posters and in some liquor stores, pass out napkins with a responsibility message to customers hosting Super Bowl gatherings. “Public safety is the top priority for our liquor store members,” said Jeanne McEvoy, president of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association. “We are pleased to partner with the Heat Is On campaign to remind our customers about DUI enforcement and their responsibility to make safe choices for themselves and the guests at their Super Bowl parties.” Kickoff for Super Bowl XLV is set for 4:29 p.m.Report a typo or inaccuracy
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