When Super Bowl LIV kicks off, will you be prepared? The Hawaii Police Department will be. Whether you’re cheering for the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs, every Super Bowl party must start with a game plan that prevents drunk driving.
Drunk driving kills. In 2019, there were 25 fatality crashes on Hawaii Island, and impairment was a factor in 12 of them. Many Super Bowl parties will involve alcohol, so play it smart by having a winning game plan in place to not drink and drive.
We will all win on Super Bowl Sunday if we follow these keys to the game:
Know the rules: It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t throw a yellow flag; they throw the book at you. You’ll get pulled over, arrested, and prosecuted. Your wallet takes a big hit, too: The average DUI court case costs approximately $10,000.
Play it safe: Defenses win championships; your best defense is to plan a safe ride. Have a sober friend or family member drive you home. Call a cab, ride a bus, or contact a rideshare program. Just be a winner and choose a safe ride and take it to the house.
Be a party MVP: Volunteer to be a designated driver. Let your team know that you’ll be there for them when the party’s over with a safe, sober ride home.
If you’ve been drinking, you’re benched: There’s no place on the road for anyone who has been drinking. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to ride the bench until you help them find a sober ride home. If you’re hosting the party, you’re the head coach. Make the right call: take their keys before they drink and drive.
We’re all on the same team when it comes to preventing drunk driving. And, however you or your guests travel on Super Bowl Sunday, always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense in any vehicle crash.
We hope it’s a great game and that you enjoy it — safely — with friends and family. Remember: fans don’t let fans drive drunk.
