SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Jan. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Super Bowl is one of America's most highly anticipated sporting events, with friends and family gathering in homes, bars and restaurants to cheer on their favorite teams. As game day approaches and football fans across the state prepare to root for their team, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Football League (NFL), would like to remind you and your friends to take every precaution to avoid driving drunk by planning ahead and designating a sober driver because – Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.
"If you plan on drinking alcohol during the big game, we encourage you to designate a sober driver or plan for alternative modes of transportation such as a taxi cab to get you home safely," said OTS Acting Director Russia Chavis. "A taxi cab may cost you $30, but that's nothing compared to the $10,000 or more in fees, fines, and the stigma that can stem from getting a DUI."
Nationally in 2012, alcohol-impaired driving crashes took 10,322 lives. Californians witnessed 802 deaths in DUI crashes on their streets and highways. These crashes were 31 percent more likely to occur on weekends than on weekdays.
"Have a game-plan prior to kick-off by designating a sober driver," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Be responsible after the game and make this year a success on the field and on the road."
If you're attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:
- Before the party begins, designate your sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely
- 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 get you, or just stay for the night
- Use your community's sober ride or free tow program if one exists
- If you see someone on the road who you suspect is drunk, don't hesitate to call 911. Be prepared to report a description of the vehicle and the direction of travel
- And remember, your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver in a crash
If you're hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance, or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure they get home safely
- Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party – you can find delicious, non-alcoholic DDrinks (Designated Driver Drinks) by visiting the OTS Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS and clicking on the Mixology Center tab
- 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 has had too much to drink
The California Office of Traffic Safety wishes you and your favorite team the best of luck on Super Bowl Sunday. For more information, visit:
www.FansDontLetFansDriveDrunk.org