Don’t fumble: Tackle drunk driving before the clock starts
A joint message from the Lyon County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices
Kickoff on America’s favorite pastime is just about ready to start. For many football fans, when it’s time for Super Bowl LII, everyone’s a fan…and Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Lyon County highway safety and law enforcement officials are huddling up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk reminder to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue.
In all states, drivers are considered alcohol-impaired if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Drunk driving can be deadly, and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement to make driving unsafe. In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. Among the 10,497 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 67 percent (7,052) were in crashes in which at least one driver had a BAC of .15, almost twice the legal limit.
Be sure to have a game plan for the night so friends and family know who the designated driver is. “We want to encourage folks to turn over their keys to a sober driver – our vote for game MVP – before they begin drinking,” said Lyon County District Attorney Stephen Rye. Sheriff Al McNeil stated: “Drunk driving can result in serious crashes, injuries or death. If you don’t have an MVP to make sure folks get home safely, consider other ride options.”
As Sheriff McNeil stated, there are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The options include Uber, Lyft, taxis, or staying put for the night.
In addition, NHTSA’s SaferRide Mobile App, available in the app store, is another resource to help fans who have been drinking find a sober ride home—by identifying their location and helping to call a taxi or a friend to pick them up.
Sober designated drivers should be sure to carry the ball and refrain from drinking alcohol. Be sure your designated driver tweets @NHTSAgov during Super Bowl LII to be featured on NHTSA’s National Wall of Fame.
This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Don’t fumble! Designate your sober driver before the big game begins. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
For more Super Bowl weekend safety information, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/SuperBowl.
