Super Bowl LV is Sunday. This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to remind football fans and big game party-goers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunken driving.
When celebrations involve alcohol, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. NHTSA and AgriLife Extension want to remind everyone: fans don’t let fans drive drunk.
If hosting a Super Bowl LV party, prepare plenty of snacks and nonalcoholic beverages for guests and the designated drivers. Additionally, do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver. In fact, the alcohol contributor can face jail time if they host a party where alcohol is served to people under 21.
Everyone wants to have a good time game night, so we want community folks to plan safe rides home if they plan to be out at a party. Even one drink can impair judgment. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. One drink can be one too many for some.
When heading out for a night of fun, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
• It is never okay to drive drunk. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely after drinking.
• Use the community’s sober ride program if available.
• If a drunken driver is seen on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
• Try to social distance and wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Remember: Choosing to drive drunk may result in legal and financial hardships, diminished reputation, vehicle loss, and even loss of life. Everyone should know by now that it is illegal to drive impaired. Still, thousands die each year in drunken-driving-related crashes.
In 2018, 10,511 people were killed in drunken-driving crashes. Punishment for being caught drinking and driving will result in jail time, loss of driver’s license, loss of vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates and lost wages.
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