Press Release: Keep Super Bowl Celebrations Safe: Don’t Drive Drunk or High
January 27, 2026
Fort Collins, Colorado – As Super Bowl LIX weekend approaches, No DUI NoCo, a Northern Colorado nonprofit dedicated to preventing impaired driving, urges all fans to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and protect lives on our roads. With millions celebrating across the country, there is an increased risk of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving – a fully preventable public health crisis.
Nearly half of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol. In 2022, about 45% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol impairment (MADD).
Every day in the United States, nearly 30 people die in drunk driving crashes – one life lost every 50 minutes (NHTSA). This tragic toll affects families and communities in Colorado and beyond. Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous — it’s illegal; a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to arrest and significant legal and financial consequences.
“We believe most people want to do the right thing,” said Heather Vesgaard, executive director of Partners and No DUI NoCo. “By planning ahead and stepping up for friends and family, Super Bowl fans can help create a weekend full of good memories. We encourage everyone to ‘Make the Call’ for a ride home before you ever think about getting behind the wheel drunk or high.”
No DUI NoCo reminds drivers that impairment includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs. Mixing substances can significantly increase impairment and crash risk.
TIPS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY
Be the VIP (Very Important Passenger) – Volunteer as the designated driver and commit to 100% sobriety. Your choice could save lives, including those of people you love.
Be the Halftime Hero – If you’re hosting, provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic options throughout the event. A well-fed crowd pacing their drinks is a safer crowd.
Call in Backup – If you or a friend can’t drive safely, choose a ride-share, taxi, or public transit instead of driving.
Bench the Impaired – Talk openly with your guests: if someone has been drinking or using cannabis or other substances, encourage them to sit out the driving duties.
Call 911 – If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
SUPER BOWL IMPAIRED DRIVING STATS
- Nearly half of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol. In 2022, about 45% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol impairment (MADD).
- On Super Bowl Sunday, traffic deaths tend to be about 20% higher than on the Sundays immediately before and after the game (NHTSA).
- Nearly 48% of fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit (0.08%) (NHTSA).
- The riskiest driving times for impaired-related crashes are between the late afternoon (around kickoff) and late evening following the game (NTSB).
ABOUT NO DUI NOCO
No DUI NoCo is working to get the word out about the dangers and consequences of teen impaired driving and offering solutions and tips on how to avoid or curb the effects on the greater community. No DUI NoCo, a coalition and campaign born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in northern Colorado, is working to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. This project is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and community members, working together to encourage the general public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving.
No DUI NoCo is focusing on prevention efforts – education, tools, and messaging for groups and individuals who tend to risk driving regularly with elevated BACs, and who are involved in a higher number of alcohol-related crashes. Studies have shown that young people, ages 16-24, tend to have the highest number of drivers involved in DUI/DWI crashes with a BAC at or above legal intoxication levels and are the most likely group to drive within 2 hours of consuming cannabis (Colorado Department of Transportation). The goal of the next arm of the No DUI campaign is to reduce the number of DUI/DWI related crashes with this age group at the wheel.
No DUI encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you, your friends, and your family safe.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, please “Make the Call” and contact local law enforcement (911) immediately.
Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.
No DUI NoCo Mission:
The No DUI NoCo coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.
Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency – please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.
Partners, who absorbed this project from the former nonprofit Team Wellness & Prevention is the lead agency on this campaign. Partners has engaged a steering committee and named the project NO DUI NOCO.
Contact: Heather Vesgaard, Executive Director – Partners hvesgaard@poweredbypartners.org
