Accidents Over Super Bowl Weekend: Startling Statistics

Statistics show that the number of car accidents increases over Super Bowl weekend, mostly due to alcohol consumption and drunk driving. This applies not only to the cities and regions with teams competing in the big game, but across the entire United States. 

Over the past half-century, Super Bowl Sunday has evolved into an American holiday. The NFL is more popular than ever before, and even non-fans look forward to Super Bowl parties. The result is a marked increase in alcohol consumption and incidents of driving under the influence. 

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles may be able to help. Since 2003, our team has advocated for injured accident victims in California. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us what happened.

Alcohol Consumption During the Super Bowl

Beer and football go together for many fans, and consumption of alcoholic beverages jumps during Super Bowl weekend. According to one report on Super Bowl beer stats, Americans go through more than 325 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday. 

That doesn’t account for hard alcohol, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. That’s a lot of drinking during a very short period of time, and it puts Super Bowl Sunday on par with other dangerous traffic holidays such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.

It only takes a small percentage of drinkers making poor choices to increase dangers on the road. If you have been injured by a drunk driver on Super Bowl Sunday or at any other time, reach out to our legal team. 

Drunk Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

The high alcohol consumption on Super Bowl Sunday explains the significant rise in drunk driving accidents. Data indicates that both traffic accidents and fatalities tend to increase on this day in comparison to regular weekends. 

According to drunk driving data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 30% of all fatal accidents on an average day involve alcohol. However, in one 2022 report, 45% of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday involved alcohol consumption.

Law enforcement agencies are more visible and use sobriety checkpoints. During Super Bowl DUI patrols in 2024, 25 people were arrested in San Diego County alone. Public awareness campaigns by the California Highway Patrol and other agencies encourage fans to stay safe. 

How to Stay Safe on Super Bowl Sunday

The National Highway Safety Administration offers good advice on how you can play a role in accident prevention on Super Bowl Sunday with its Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk program. 

Some additional points to consider include:

Plan Ahead

If you intend to go out on Super Bowl Sunday and consume alcohol, make sure to plan for a safe way to get home, such as an Uber or designated driver. This prevents you from becoming part of the problem. 

Avoid Peak Accident Hours

Statistics show that the frequency of accidents is slightly lower during the game, but increases immediately after. Whether you are watching the game or not, it’s smart to plan your travels accordingly. 

Call 911 if You Spot an Impaired Driver

If you see another driver who you think may be impaired, call 911 and relay as much information as possible so police can make an arrest. Do not try to pass or intervene with the drunk driver. Give the driver a wide berth and stay out of danger. 

Be a Good Host

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, take precautions such as offering non-alcoholic options and collecting keys from guests who intend to overconsume. Your actions may prevent an accident or even save a life, and responsible guests will understand. 

Stay Home

The best way to avoid getting into a car accident on Super Bowl Sunday is to simply stay home. Enjoy the game from the comfort of your living room with your favorite snacks and beverages, and keep off the roads. 

Get Help if You Are Injured in an Accident on Super Bowl Weekend

Accidents over Super Bowl weekend increase significantly, and statistics show that drinking and driving play a major part. With a large percentage of the population attending sports bars and Super Bowl parties, unfortunately, some people will make poor choices and endanger others. 

There is nothing wrong with having a good time. However, when people drink and drive, they risk the lives of everyone on the road. If they cause an accident and hurt someone, they can face serious criminal charges. We can help you pursue a claim to hold them civilly liable for your damages. 

Our legal team at BANA LAW has more than 100 years of combined experience, standing up for Californians injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. We can help you begin to piece your life back together. Call today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case.