As many Super Bowl parties involve alcohol, the warning asks people to have a winning game plan in place to not drink and drive.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, true fans won’t let other fans drive drunk this Super Bowl Sunday.
In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. As many Super Bowl parties will involve alcohol, partygoers are asked to play it smart by having a winning game plan in place to not drink and drive.
According to the NHTSA, fans can keep safe by following these key points:
Know the Rules: It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t throw a yellow flag; they throw the book at drivers. Those who drive drunk will get pulled over, arrested, and prosecuted. Wallets will take a hit too, as the average DUI court case costs approximately $10,000.
Play It Safe: The best defense is to plan a safe ride. From buses and trains to car services and designated drivers, connect with the option that will get one home safely. NHTSA even has an app for that — SaferRide — which is available for Apple and Android devices and can connect drivers to a local cab company or with a friend who can come pick you up.
Be a Party MVP: Party goers can also volunteer to be a designated driver. Drivers can even tweet their names to @NHTSAgov to make them part of the NHTSA’s Wall of Fame using the hashtag #designateddriver.
Those Drinking Are Benched: Buzzed driving is drunk driving. There’s no place on the road for anyone who has been drinking. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to ride the bench until you help them find a sober ride home. For those hosting the party, take the keys away from anyone before they drink and drive.
