A newly released study from Bridger Law Group and data partner 1Point21 Interactive reveals a measurable increase in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes on Super Bowl Sunday compared with typical Sundays, driven largely by post-game impairment.
KEY FINDINGS
• Across eight states representing a national sample, alcohol-related crashes on Super Bowl Sunday were 13 percent higher than on a typical Sunday, even as total crashes fell by about 2 percent.
• The greatest risk occurred in the two hours immediately after the broadcast, when alcohol-related crashes surged by 85 percent.
• Regional patterns varied, with the South showing a 21 percent increase in alcohol-related crashes while the Midwest experienced a slight decrease.
• Before kickoff and during the game itself, alcohol-related crashes were lower than on a typical Sunday, highlighting the concentrated risk after the final whistle.
“Our analysis shows that Super Bowl Sunday is not just another game day, it is a night when the roads are more dangerous, especially in the hours after the final whistle,” said Gerardo Briceno, managing partner of Bridger Law Group. “Even if you enjoy the game responsibly, you are unfortunately sharing the road with more impaired drivers than usual, and that makes planning ahead vitally important. Choosing a designated driver, using a rideshare service, or simply staying at your gathering for a few extra hours can dramatically reduce the risk of a life-changing crash.”
Staying Safe on Super Bowl Sunday
While fewer crashes overall may occur, the share involving alcohol impairment rises sharply during critical post-game hours, posing hazards for drivers who may not be consuming alcohol themselves. With millions of Americans traveling to and from parties, bars, and social gatherings tied to the game, data-driven strategies that focus on the immediate aftermath of the broadcast could enhance public safety. Local traffic safety authorities, law enforcement, and community organizations might tailor messaging and enforcement efforts to the concentrated risk period outlined in the study.
Study Methodology
The analysis drew on more than 6 million collision records from the three most recent years of data across eight U.S. states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, and Texas), comparing Super Bowl Sunday totals with averages from all other Sundays. Temporal trends were aligned relative to the broadcast rather than clock time to account for time zone differences.
About Bridger Law Group
Bridger Law Group is a personal injury law firm based in Georgia, providing legal representation and advocacy for individuals harmed in motor vehicle collisions and other incidents. For the Super Bowl Sunday study, the firm collaborated with 1Point21 Interactive, a data visualization and analytics partner, to quantify patterns in alcohol-related crash risk tied to this annual event.
Media Contact
Company Name: Bridger Law Group
Contact Person: Gerardo Briceno
Email: Send Email
Address:3295 River Exchange Dr Suite 420
City: Peachtree Corners
State: GA
Country: United States
Website: https://bridgerlaw.com/
