DUI Patrols Amped Up for Super Bowl Sunday

Calling all football fans and party hosts: as excitement builds for Super Bowl Sunday, law enforcement agencies across Los Angeles County are reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly this year. Increased DUI patrols will be hitting the roads throughout the big game, aiming to deter and apprehend drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The heightened vigilance is a response to the historically high number of alcohol-related incidents that occur on Super Bowl Sunday.

Public safety officials offered the following tips for people planning to host Super Bowl parties:

• ensure guests have a designated driver or can arrange for ride-sharing;
• serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• stop serving alcohol before the end of the game’s third quarter; and
• take the keys away from guests showing signs of impairment, then call them a cab or arrange for transportation via Lyft, Uber, or other services.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also emphasized the importance of having a plan to prevent drunk driving on Super Bowl Sunday. They advise having a designated driver when heading out to a viewing party and being prepared to call a rideshare service or taxi if unable to drive.

Remember, driving under the influence is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting yourself and others at risk.

Under state law, anyone with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher is considered impaired. First-time DUI offenders could face a penalty of $13,500 in fines and a suspended license.