Super Bowl Sunday Safety - Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 06:25 PM
by VFW DE WebCOM Network
STATE OF DELAWAREOFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY
www.state.de.us/highway
OHS plans DUI enforcement and awareness around big game
Message: Toss the keys to a designated driver before you toss one back.
When the New York Giants and New England Patriots take to the field this
weekend in search of Super Bowl glory, Checkpoint Strikeforce will take to
Delaware roads in search of impaired drivers. Seven municipal police
agencies will conduct DUI Saturation patrols the night of the big game, and
the New Castle County DUI Task Force is scheduled to conduct a checkpoint in
the northern part of the state.
It appears that most people heard the "drive safe and sober" message last
year as only three people were arrested for DUI on Super Bowl Sunday in 2007.
However, OHS officials still feel there is cause for concern as
alcohol-related deaths in the First State had increased by year's end. In
all, 51 people lost their lives in alcohol involved fatal motor vehicle
crashes 2007, accounting for 43% of Delaware's traffic deaths last year.
Here's what you can do to stay safe on the night of the big game:
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
*Make sure all of your guests have a designated sober driver before
kickoff
*Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party
*Give them a great spot to watch the game
*Let them have the first pass at the buffet table
*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 is thinking of driving while
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 sober driver before the party begins or Be a Hero.
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, or;
*Pick up the tab for their food and drink
*Before you go out, program the numbers for local cab companies in
your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one
touch away
*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.
For more information on impaired driving prevention for Super Bowl Sunday
visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org and click on the Super Bowl planner on the
right; or for more information about year round DUI prevention activities in
Delaware visit the Checkpoint Strikeforce page on OHS's website at
www.state.de.us/highway
