Make The Right Call Before Game Day Designate A Sober Driver

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, troopers suggest fans take time to make the right call to save lives and designate a sober driver.

Maryland state troopers are anticipating fans will be traveling on Super Bowl Sunday to and from different locations to enjoy the game. With this in mind, Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William M. Pallozzi, has directed each of the 23 barracks to conduct saturation patrols focusing on impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Additional troopers will be assigned.

Last year, on Super Bowl Sunday, troopers arrested 53 drunk drivers. Driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 is evidence of intoxication and is against the law. A driver under the age of 21, with any measurable alcohol in their system is in violation of alcohol laws in Maryland.

“If drinking and driving is a part of your play book, know that troopers will be on the defense to tackle drunk drivers,” said Colonel Pallozzi. “Drinking and driving should never mix. There will be zero tolerance for anyone who elects to jeopardize the safety of others by choosing to drive while impaired.”

In addition to the many troopers who will be out on patrol, Maryland State Police has its own DUI enforcement team. The S.P.I.D.R.E Team is a full time team of troopers dedicated to identifying and arresting impaired drivers. Enforcement initiatives will be joint operations with local law enforcement throughout the state this Super Bowl weekend.

The additional state police patrols are part of the Maryland Highway Safety Office initiative “Towards Zero Death.” Additional patrols are provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you are attending a Super Bowl Party:
Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast by pacing yourself – eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl Party:
Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
Serve lots of food and be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.