The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, there will be lots of game day socializing that may include drinking. This sporting event is, by any stretch of the imagination, a mix of celebration, national pride and often a few drinks. That’s why a new campaign has been launched to curb drink driving during this period.
That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and YOURS are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking OR driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.
NHTSA’s Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.
According to data from NHTSA, in 2012 there were 10,322 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in the United States—31 percent of all crash fatalities in the nation. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states. This February 1, don’t become a tragic Super Bowl stat.
“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” state YOURS. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive—but never do both.”
For those who plan to drink, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi, or public transportation. For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Being a sober, designated driver is a key role on Super Bowl Sunday. You might just save a life.
Are You Drinking?
If so, don’t drive. Follow these tips to have fun, stay alive, and avoid getting pulled over or crashing your vehicle on game day.
- Before Super Bowl Sunday, make a game plan that includes a sober driver – someone who is not drinking at all.
- Leave your keys at home and designate a sober driver.
- Consider getting a sober ride or taxi to your destination, so you won’t even have the option later to drive impaired.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Keep track of the number of drinks you consume.
- Stop drinking after the third quarter, just like they do at the actual stadium.
- Make sure your designated driver is sober, not just less intoxicated than you.
- Don’t let others drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home, too.
- 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 if possible stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
- Use your community’s sober ride program [Insert your local sober ride program specifics here].
- When you ride home with your sober driver, wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense in a crash.
- Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.