Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday: Are You Drinking or Driving?
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th, there will be lots of game day socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The Bismarck Police Department are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking OR driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.
NHTSA’s Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.
“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.
According to data from NHTSA, in 2014 there were 9,967 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in the United States—31 percent of all crash fatalities in the nation. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states. This February 7th, don’t become a tragic Super Bowl stat.
“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” said Sgt. Mark Buschena. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive—but never do both.”
For those who plan to drink, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi, or public transportation. For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Being a sober, designated driver is a key role on Super Bowl Sunday. You might just save a life.