UWPD Joins Effort to Stop Impaired Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

Local and state law enforcement officers will work together to stop impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday.

“Before choosing to drink, choose a sober designated driver,” says Mike Samp, chief of the University of Wyoming Police Department. “Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk could result in serious injury, your death or the death of someone else. Expect city, county and state law enforcement to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who drinks and drives.”

The Super Bowl brings families, friends and fans together each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. These gatherings should end safely, not with tragedy, Samp says.

Law enforcement and the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Impaired Driving are working to spread this message to the public: “Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”

Last year in Wyoming, there were 848 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 31 fatalities.

“As we all know, the loss of even one life to this most preventable crime is too many,” Gov. Matt Mead says. “I ask you to join me in saving the lives of your friends, family and other innocent Wyoming citizens, by participating in and supporting these and future programs to stop impaired driving in our state.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, 9,878 people were killed in drunken-driving crashes nationwide. Drunken-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States.