Police predict traffic congestion will be heaviest on Friday as Super Bowl weekend begins and on Monday when many visitors will be returning home. On Super Bowl Sunday in 2012, 38 percent of US traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and state and local law enforcement officials are urging football fans not to drink and drive and Keep Pounding!
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That’s because for Super Bowl 50, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and troopers, deputies and police officers statewide won’t be at a party. This event, which is being funded by the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Military Grant, will help focus attention of the consequences of alcohol and drugs on the military community. “But drinking and driving is not a game – it’s a deadly combination”.
Heading to a Super Bowl party Sunday?
Drivers under the influence of alcohol can face up to $17,000 in fines, legal fees, impoundment and other costs.
People who campaign against drunk driving are very aware of one Super Bowl statistic: Lots of people drink too much and then get in their cars. If intending to consume alcohol, select a designated, non-drinking driver or ensure a cab company, ride-sharing service or public transportation is available from the party location. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Before you drink, make a game plan to get home safely. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Driving impaired could result in injury or death for that person or others on the road, Everly said.
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“Drunk driving crashes are a huge problem and are completely preventable”, said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “Make sure you have a plan in place well before kickoff – add a designated driver to your lineup, plan how you’re getting home, or refrain from drinking if you’re driving”.
