FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2008
Contact: Kara Macek
(202)789-0942, kmacek@ghsa.org
States Step Up Drunk Driving Enforcement for Super Bowl Sunday
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Super Bowl Sunday is a dangerous time to be on the road. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 130 people died during the 2006 Super Bowl weekend in crashes involving impaired drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of .08 or higher.
That's why State Highway Safety Offices are partnering with communities across the country to spread the word that Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. Activities include increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, paid media, creative marketing materials and more.
Super Bowl XLII host state Arizona will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturations patrols around the state, as well as an undercover underage consumption enforcement. Illinois is working with radio stations to put together a traffic safety trivia contest, awarding footballs to the winners. Minnesota created a theme for its campaign: “Punt, Pass, Hand-off or Fumble Your Keys to a Sober Driver.” New Mexico will air English and Spanish version television and radio spots, including a 30 second spot during the New Mexico broadcast of the Super Bowl.
For a list of more state activities, visit: www.ghsa.org/html/issues/impaireddriving/superbowl/08.html.
To stay safe on the night of the big game, GHSA reminds partygoers to make the following safety tips part of your playbook:
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Make sure all your guests have a designated sober driver before kickoff.
- Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party.
- Serve plenty of food – and include soft drinks, juice, and water.
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
- Take the keys away from anyone who appears impaired.
- Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
- Designate your driver before the party begins, or better yet, be a designated driver.
- Give your designated driver your car keys.
- Show your appreciation to your designated driver:
- Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out.
- Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas.
- Pick up the tab for their food and drink.
- Before you go out, program the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone. If you find yourself in need of a ride, it is easily accessible.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- 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 your best defense against impaired drivers.
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For more information on impaired driving prevention for Super Bowl Sunday, visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org and click on the Big Game Planner on the right.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)® is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org.