SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Football fans are gearing up to watch the Super Bowl this weekend and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) wants to encourage all party hosts to add non-alcoholic Designated Driver Drinks, or DDrinks, to their game-day menus. DDrinks are specialty drink recipes provided by OTS bar and restaurant partners throughout the state, meant to serve as tasty drink options for partygoers and to honor designated drivers by ensuring that they have a safer alternative to beer and other alcohol.
For complete DDrink recipes, party hosts can visit the DDrink Mixology Center at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS. And, to make sure that the party kicks off right and ends safely, OTS has compiled the following tips and tricks for any sized celebration.
- Make a Super Bowl of keys. As guests arrive and begin enjoying alcoholic beverages, place their keys into a bowl that will be monitored by a sober guest or host. This can help to prevent guests from leaving intoxicated.
- Host a Super Bowl, DDrink challenge. Have guests mix or bring their own football-themed, non-alcoholic beverage recipes to share.
- Party hosts should have plenty of food on hand to avoid having to leave once the party has started and guests have begun drinking.
- Monitor how much your guests are drinking. If you feel that someone has had too much to drink, do not let them drive home. Arrange a sober ride home for them or let them stay the night.
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver. If you plan on drinking, do the responsible thing and arrange for a sober ride home with a friend, family member, or call a taxi.
- If you are on the road and spot another driver who you suspect is drunk, do not hesitate, find a safe place to pull over, and call 911. Be prepared to report a description of the vehicle and its direction of travel.
The California Office of Traffic Safety wants you to enjoy the game and get home safely. For more information on the DDrink program or DUI prevention, please visit the OTS Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or follow OTS on Twitter @OTS_CA. For more information on all OTS efforts, go to www.OTS.ca.gov.