Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk by Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health Agent
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Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Super Bowl LV is right around the corner, fall on Sunday, February 7, 2021. This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with Texas &M AgriLife Extension Service to remind football fand and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunk driving.
When Super Bowl celebrations involve alcohol, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. If hosting a Super Bowl party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for guests. And 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 cause by the underage driver. In fact, the alcohol contributor can face jail time if they host a party where alcohol is served to anyone under 21.
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Everyone wants to enjoy Super Bowl night, so we want our community folks to plan a safe event. Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember: It is never ok to drive drunk. Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service to get home safely after drinking.
- If a drunk driver is seen on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
COVID-19 safety tips:
- Try to social distance and wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid buffet-type foods. Instead, offer items such as pre-packaged foods (crackers, chips, nuts), fresh fruit, bottled water. You can also pre-package cookies, popcorn, and other treats so guests can grab-and-go.
In 2018, a sobering 10,511 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Punishment for being caught drinking and driving will results in jail time, loss of driver’s license, loss of vehicle, and up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages. Is driving drunk worth the risk?
Enjoy the Super Bowl, cheer for your favorite team, enjoy the company of others, but remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk!
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