Feature
February
03
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
by Jamie Ainsworth
Football fans across Louisiana and the nation are excited about the February 6 Super Bowl XLV match up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. However, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is warning fans that are celebrating with alcohol to use good judgment and not to drink and drive.
Super Bowl Sunday has become one of America’s most popular and entertaining sporting events. Even though the New Orleans Saints did not make it to Super Bowl XLV, many Louisiana sports fans will still watch the game at parties, bars or other establishments where alcohol is served.
“During Super Bowl celebrations, everyone can play a role in safety by either remaining sober or arranging for a designated driver,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “Watching the big game on Sunday is a great American tradition. We want everyone to remain safe so they’ll be able to enjoy another Super Bowl, especially when it will be held at the Louisiana Superdome in 2013.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all fatal crashes that occurred nationwide on Super Bowl Sunday in 2008 involved impaired drivers.
Super Bowl partygoers must also remember that Louisiana law requires all vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt whether they are in the front or back seat.
For individuals who plan on attending or hosting a Super Bowl party, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration offer the following tips:
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange sharing a ride with others who are not drinking.
- Keep the numbers of local cab companies handy and take the keys from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
- Serve lots of food and be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, juice and water.
- Quit serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee or dessert.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party:
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too rapidly, eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your keys at home if you plan to drink.
- Always remember that fans don’t let fans drive drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
- If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, call a friend or family member to come and get you or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
