There’s nothing ‘super’ about drinking and driving
Make the right play this Super Bowl Sunday and designate a sober driver.
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining sporting events, as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Unfortunately, it also has become one of the nation’s most dangerous days to drive, due to a sharp increase of drinking and driving.
On Super Bowl Sunday in 2009, 115 crash fatalities occurred in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About half of those fatalities included motorists who had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher compared to 32 percent of motor vehicle traffic fatalities for the entire year. That’s why authorities are urging those who watch the game away from home to designate a sober driver in advance of the festivities in order to avoid an expensive ticket – or a life-altering tragedy.
“Law enforcement is well aware of these statistics, and they will be vigilant before, during and after the game,” Bismarck Police Sergeant Mark Buschena said. “Those who try to beat the system risk stiff fines, jail time, the loss or suspension of their driver license, increased insurance rates and other fees. And if you are involved in a crash that takes a life, even if you survive, your life will be changed forever.”
Buschena added that people attending Super Bowl parties with friends need to take the initiative and be responsible for their own safety and that of their companions. “We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking this weekend, real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” Buschena said. “Please call the right play for the big game. Before you toss one back, toss your keys to your designated driver.”
The Bismarck Police Department offers these guidelines for a safer super Sunday.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• 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.
• 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 bar or restaurant:
• Designate your sober driver before the party and give that person your keys.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• 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 and pick you up; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• 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 drivers who may be impaired.
The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Football League, and state and local transportation and law enforcement agencies across the country.
For more information please contact Sgt. Mark Buschena, 355-1874.