Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining sporting events, as all across the country, millions of people gather to socialize and watch the big game. The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with support from the National Football League (NFL) and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition, have joined forces with the Bismarck Police Department to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
“This message is for everyone who will be drinking during the big game. Please call the right play. Before you toss one back, toss your keys to your designated driver,” said Sgt. Mark Buschena. “There is no excuse to get flagged for a false start. The men and women of the Bismarck Police Department will be out to stop anyone who decides to drink and drive.”
Driving while impaired could result in a loss of your driver’s license or even possibly the loss of your or someone else’s life. On Super Bowl Sunday, make it a team effort to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. If you plan on driving, plan not to drink alcohol.
The Bismarck Police Department is asking all party hosts to use a prevent defense to discourage their guests from drinking and driving. And make that extra effort to be sure everyone who will be drinking has assigned a sober designated driver. “Designated drivers are the real most valuable players for the team, because they make sure that their teammates get home safely,” Buschena said.

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.
For more information please contact Sgt. Mark Buschena, 355-1874.