It was an exciting game between the Giants and Patriots yesterday in Superbowl 46. Millions of people gathered with friends and family to watch the spectacle on television. Following the game, drivers in the Seattle area faced increased DUI emphasis patrols on the streets and highways. The evening of the Superbowl game has typically led to dozens of arrests for suspicion of a DUI. Between 2009 through 2011, law enforcement made 191 arrests for DUI in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties following the big game.

The increased emphasis for last night’s game was a part of Target Zero Team (TZT). With the support of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, TZT is an ongoing partnership between the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to reach the goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes caused by alcohol and drugs by the year 2030. While we do not have the specific number of arrests made last night following the game, there were significantly increased patrols on the streets and highways surrounding Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland looking for DUI drivers.

Anyone who was stopped and arrested for DUI following the Superbowl yesterday needs to take immediate action. It is imperative that they memorialize everything they remember regarding their contact with law enforcement. Furthermore, they should consult with an experienced Washington State DUI attorney to discuss their case and options.