Super Bowl weekend fatalities have risen 33% in US since 2019
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An average of 17 people are killed in Texas each year over Super Bowl weekend, according to data shared by AAA Texas Thursday.
The analysis reviewed fatal crashes between Friday and Monday of Super Bowl weekend from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, there was a slight dip to 14 fatal crashes resulting in 14 fatalities in Texas; however, looking at national figures, impaired driving fatalities have grown 33% in the U.S. since 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported.
Here’s the yearly breakdown of fatal crashes and fatalities in Texas:
- 2019: 15 fatal crashes resulting in 15 fatalities
- 2020: 20 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities
- 2021: 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 fatalities
- 2022: 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 fatalities
- 2023: 14 fatal crashes resulting in 14 fatalities
NTSHA’s data found in 45% of fatal crashes over the 2022 Super Bowl weekend involved alcohol. Following alcohol impairment, marijuana was the second leading drug found in drivers involved in crashes, according to AAA Texas.
In the Lone Star State, a first-time Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction can lead to more than $20,000 in fines, penalties, alcohol education classes and insurance-related costs, AAA Texas said.
Those attending Super Bowl parties this weekend should plan to have a designated sober driver or book a safe ride home before leaving; if neither scenario is possible, stay where you are for the evening. Anyone serving as a designated driver Super Bowl weekend is reminded to not have any alcoholic beverages or do any drugs and make sure both themselves and their passengers are buckled up while traveling.
Those who spot a potentially impaired driver on the road are asked to maintain their distance and either have a passenger call 9-1-1 or pull over when safe to call the police.
Here in Austin, the Austin Police Department and the city’s Vision Zero program enacted back in October a year-round “No Refusal Initiative” effort. Under that initiative, APD can obtain a blood search warrant during specific hours “when an arrested driver refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test,” APD said.
