Super Bowl caution: fans don't let fans drive drunk

Make the right play to save your life and others. Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it is also one of the Nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. In 2007, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes nationwide accounted for 32 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (12:01 a.m. Sunday to 5:59 a.m. Monday), 48 percent of the fatalities nationwide occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 8 and higher. Closer to home, Pennsylvanian’s were involved in 82 impaired driving crashes causing two fatalities. “We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking next weekend, real fans don’t let fans drive drunk,” said C. Stephen Erni, Executive Director of the PA DUI Association. “Please call the right play for the big game and pass your keys to a designated driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Getting caught driving while impaired will result in a costly penalty from local law enforcement and may even result in a turnover of your driving privileges.” Impaired-driving crashes—and fatalities—can be prevented. Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list, but there are other ways you can help save lives, too. If you are hosting a Super Bowl party: Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served alcohol to ends up in an impaired-driving crash. Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers. Serve lots of food—and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert. Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired. If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant: Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks. Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys. If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. Call a cab or ride a bus if possible. Stay overnight at your friend’s house or a hotel. Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Always buckle up — it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers. Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime. In 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving an impaired driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal BAC level of 8 or higher. Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk because the consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant. Please act responsibly. Pass your keys to a sober driver before the big game begins. And remember, real fans don’t let fans drive drunk.