Police Ask Your Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday: Are You Drinking or Driving?

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, there will be lots of game day socializing that may include drinking.

That’s why the Pasadena Police Department, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Police, Sheriff and the CHP statewide are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking OR driving.

If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home, officials urge.

“The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects. Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.

The Office of Traffic Safety is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver football fans with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

According to data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012 there were 10,322 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in the United States—31 percent of all crash fatalities in the nation. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states.

This February 1, don’t become a tragic Super Bowl stat.

“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” said Chief Phillip L. Sanchez with the Pasadena Police Department. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive—but never do both.”

For those who plan to drink, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi, or public transportation. For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Being a sober, designated driver is a key role on Super Bowl Sunday. You might just save a life.

Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink. Stay connected with OTS via: http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS, http://twitter.com/#!/OTS_CA, www.ots.ca.gov.This Super Bowl Sunday, be a team player, police say.