State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky asks football fans to plan, designate a driver and encourage friends and family to be safe during this year’s Super Bowl weekend (February 6 and 7).
Fatalities due to drinking increase significantly during Super Bowl weekend.
The percentage of alcohol-related vehicular fatalities in the U.S. in 2007 was 32 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration however, on Super Bowl Sunday that grim statistic rose to 48 percent.
“Too many innocent families have suffered the consequences of people driving while impaired,” said Stavisky.
If you plan to host a Super Bowl party at your house, here some easy tips to prevent a guest from irresponsibly getting behind the wheel:
? Collect the car keys upon arrival of those who will be drinking.
? Establish who designated drivers are, and make sure they do not drink.
? Serve a lot of food, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
? Establish an alcohol cut-off point – halftime or the end of the 3rd quarter.
? Have the number of a cab service on hand for guests who are unable to drive.
? Do not be afraid to tell someone they are too impaired to drive.
? Encourage your guests to wear their seatbelts.
If you plan to attend a Super Bowl party:
? Decide on who your designated driver is before you enter the establishment and make sure he or she has everyone’s keys.
? If you are unable to drive and have no designated driver, call a cab or a friend or family member.
? Don’t drink too fast; for every drink of alcohol have a drink of water.
? Eat before, during and after consuming alcohol.
Remember – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
