Drunk driving is a common public safety concern and also a crime. Police officers are constantly on the lookout for drunk drivers and others violating traffic statutes.
Certain times may see increased drunk driving enforcement efforts. For example, police officers often watch the roads carefully late at night when the bars close for the day. Certain seasonal changes may also inspire additional drunk driving enforcement.
Football season in the fall and winter may see many police officers actively watching for drunk drivers after local games or major broadcast games. Why do police departments consider sporting events when setting enforcement priorities?
Football and alcohol go hand in hand
Alcohol consumption while watching a football game is relatively common. The stadiums that host professional football teams often earn a significant amount of their revenue by selling beer and other drinks to spectators. Even college football stadiums frequently serve alcohol.
Beyond what people ingest at the game, there is pre-partying to consider. Tailgating or pre-game celebrations often begin at least two hours before kickoff, meaning that people are already legally drunk when the game starts. They may continue drinking to celebrate the team’s victory or grieve its poor performance.
Drunk driving collisions may increase after a local football game or a major event broadcast to millions of people, such as the Rose Bowl or the Super Bowl. Football enthusiasts and others who enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage need to be aware of when they could face enhanced scrutiny in traffic.
Football season often results in heightened enforcement efforts across the state. Being ready to navigate a traffic stop or respond to a drunk driving charge can help football fans and other motorists limit the personal fallout of enhanced enforcement efforts.
