Traffic Fatalities Decline During Super Bowl Weekend

Nashville, TN (2011-02-11) Preliminary 2011 Super Bowl weekend traffic fatalities have declined significantly from a year ago with four people killed on Tennessee roadways during the unofficial holiday period. Last year’s Super Bowl weekend resulted in 10 traffic fatalities in the state.

The 2011 54-hour Super Bowl period ran from 6 p.m., Friday, February 4 through midnight, Sunday, February 6. According to initial reports, there were four fatal crashes, including a pedestrian and a motorcyclist fatality. Three of the fatalities were alcohol-related and two vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt.

“If preliminary reports stand up, the decline in fatalities during this year’s Super Bowl is encouraging,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott. “However, it’s disheartening to learn that three of the four fatalities were alcohol-related. We constantly educate and stress the consequences of drinking and driving. The fact that some people still don’t get it…is tragic.”

Over the weekend, State Troopers conducted more than 50 sobriety and driver license checkpoints across the state. Forty-five people were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers issued more than 2,600 citations, including 901 for speeding and more than 250 for seat belt and child seat violations.

Overall, fatal crashes are down in Tennessee this year. To date, there have been 70 traffic fatalities, a decline of 27 from this time a year ago.