News

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

Posted on: February 1, 2013
Tags: Police, Press Release

Press Release February 1, 2013

Be the MVP of Safe and Responsible Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

Driving Drunk Is a No-Win Situation

Clearcreek Township, OH – As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events, the Super Bowl brings together families, friends and fans each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. In many instances, fans will gather to watch the game at sports bars, restaurants or Super Bowl-themed parties. The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, along with the National Football League  and TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management), have joined forces with Clearcreek Township’s local highway safety and law enforcement officials to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

“Before choosing to drink, choose a sober designated driver.  Avoid the unsportsmanlike conduct of driving drunk by handing off your keys so that you, your passengers and everyone on our roads can safely arrive home,” said Sgt. Wally Stacy. “Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk could result in seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. Motorists can expect Clearcreek Township Police to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive.”

The Clearcreek Township Police Department participates in the High Visibility Enforcement Overtime Grant administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services. As part of that grant program, Clearcreek officers worked additional patrol hours in the month of January which resulted in two arrests and sixteen traffic citations. The goal of the program is to provide extra traffic enforcement to keep the township roads safer for those that travel them. This grant will provide for additional patrol hours during Super Bowl weekend as well.

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
  • 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 if possible stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
  • Never let friends drive drunk.   Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
  • Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party:

  • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
  • Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
  • Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
  • If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
  • Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time.

For more information, please visit TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

Stay connected with NHTSA via:
Facebook.com/NHTSA
Twitter.com/NHTSAgov
YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA
SaferCar.gov

Newer » « Older