February 2, 2005
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is joining with other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind those who plan on using alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday to act responsibly by designating a sober driver before the game begins.
"Driving drunk or riding with someone who is drunk is not a smart play, because the penalties are serious," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director. "Wherever you are watching the Super Bowl, if you plan on drinking alcohol, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver before the game begins."
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most deadly days on America’s roads due to drunk driving, rivaling St. Patrick’s Day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Alcohol-related traffic fatalities typically rise sharply on Super Bowl Sunday. Nationally, alcohol is involved in nearly 50 percent of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl weekend, according to NHTSA.
In Michigan on Super Bowl Sunday 2004, 47 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 21 injuries, according to Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. Law enforcement officers arrested 221 motorists for drunk driving.
OHSP offers these tips for a safer Super Bowl Sunday:
- Avoid drinking too much too fast. Take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins by giving that person your car keys.
- If drunk, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab or friend to come and get you or stay where you are until you are sober.
- Don’t let a friend leave if you think he or she might drive drunk.
- If you’re hosting a party, stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter and begin serving coffee and dessert.
Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.
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