Crime & Safety
Super Bowl Fans Urged to Play It Safe On The Road
Southern California law enforcement officials encourage designated drivers and these reminders about drinking responsibly.
No matter where you plan on watching the New England Patriots and New York Giants duke it out in Super Bowl XLVI, law enforcement officials want to make sure alcohol doesn't ruin the good times.
Southern California authorities are reminding football fans about the national Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk Campaign and encouraging them to designate a sober driver before kickoff.
“Having a designated sober driver should be an obvious call in everyone’s playbook," said Chris Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "Making sure designated sober drivers know how much we appreciate their responsible decision is what will make this year’s celebration extra special – and extra safe.”
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Murphy says designated drivers are imperative to saving lives. In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed in crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.
In an effort to keep the roadways safe for motorists, special roving DUI patrols will be in effect on Sunday in several communities throughout the county looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
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Hosting a Super Bowl Party?
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kickoff or help arrange ridesharing with other sober drivers.
- Serve plenty of food.
- Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like non-alcohol beers, soft drinks, juice, and water.
- Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks.
- Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
Going Somewhere?
- Designate a sober driver before the party begins; avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast; pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired.
- Always buckle up – it’s your best defense on the road.
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