One of America’s favorite annual celebrations, the National Football League’s Super Bowl, will be held this weekend on Sunday, February 7, and although the way viewing sporting events has changed for now, law enforcement still want to make sure that everyone is safe on Super Bowl Sunday. Whether an individual is hosting a virtual watch party, attending a socially distanced small gathering, or heading to a restaurant or bar, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are teaming up with Sandersville Police to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
“Nationally, people are quarantining and practicing social distancing, but we know festivities will still occur,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. If you’re hosting an intimate gathering of immediate family or your ‘pod’ friends, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
No matter where an individual is watching the big game, keep safety at the forefront of the night. When it’s time to leave, make sure the designated driver is actually sober. If he or she decided to drink, call a sober ride. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk alongside. If driving, remember that sober driving is not the only law that should be followed: Make sure that the driver and all passengers are wearing seat belts.
If an individual is planning to be designated driver, know that they are the night’s MVP. No matter what, they should not drink any alcohol, as people are relying on them. While attending a socially distanced small gathering or at a bar, the designated driver can enjoy the food, the company, and the non-alcoholic drinks. Encourage other designated drivers on social media using the hashtag #DesignatedDriver. The positive influence being spread could help keep other designated drivers on the right track, as well. If someone has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely. Even if they make a fuss in the moment, they will be thankful later.
If hosting a small gathering for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for guests and the designated drivers. Get creative and try out some Super Bowl-themed snacks and beverages. Plus, don’t forget to include hand sanitizer and some disposable masks.
Ask those in the “pod” to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water. Another important reminder is to not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver. In fact, that person could face jail time if they host a gathering where alcohol is served to people under the age of 21.
Despite it obviously being a huge issue, drunk driving is not the only risk on the road. Drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem. If drivers are impaired by any substance – alcohol or other drugs – they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is illegal in all states and the District of Columbia to drive impaired by alcohol or other drugs. The bottom line is If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.
Whether attending a small social gathering or going to a bar or restaurant, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
– Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even after only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or call a ride service to get home safely.
– If an individual sees a drunk driver on the road, contact the Sandersville Police Dispatch at 552-3038.
– Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get that friend home safely.
This year’s Super Bowl is drastically different from previous years. For those staying home, consider hosting or attending a virtual Super Bowl watch party. Bonus: No need to worry about drinking and driving!
In many communities, alcohol transport is also different. If the community now allows alcoholic drinks for carryout, people should remember to transport any alcohol for Game Day in a leak-proof container, leaving stickers and seals in place. No straws should be placed in the containers. In many states, open containers are prohibited in any seating area of a vehicle, including the driver’s side, passenger side, or backseat, even if the vehicle is stopped or parked. Remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Remember, only one team wins, but if one drives drunk, they may lose money, their reputation, their car, or even their life. Everyone should know by now that it is illegal to drive impaired. The costs can be extremely financial. If an individual is caught drinking and driving, they can face jail time, lose their driver’s license and vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.