From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
Whether someone is rooting for the Patriots or for the Seahawks, Safe Communities of Wood County is rooting for everyone to stay safe during their Super Bowl celebrations.
“[The] Super Bowl is a time to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads,” said Faith DeNardo, grant director of Safe Communities of Wood County. “If you are planning to be away from home during Super Bowl LIX, make a game plan to ensure you don’t find yourself without a designated driver if you need one. If you’re hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
Drunk driving can have a range of consequences, including the possibility of causing a traumatic crash. These crashes could cause the driver, someone they love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries or even death. Help set up the team – friends, family, and other partygoers – for a night of success.
Host a winning party
If hosting a Super Bowl party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask guests 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: Never 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.
Be the DD MVP
If someone is planning to be a designated driver, they should know that they are the night’s MVP. They should commit to a sober evening. If attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the non-alcoholic drinks. That positive influence could help keep others on the right track. If someone a person knows has been drinking that tries to drive, they are to take that person’s keys and help them get home safely. Remember: The DD is the night’s quarterback, and others are relying on them.
Drivers should be safe during the Super Bowl by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive – take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home.
If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact 911 or #677.
For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
