For Immediate Release:
January 30, 2018
Contact:
Tim Weisberg
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
timothy.weisberg@ots.ca.gov
(916) 509-3020
Call the Right Play for Super Bowl LI
Pass the keys to a sober driver before the big game begins
Sacramento, CA – Football fans across the country will tune in to the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 5, and for many, the event often includes alcohol. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement across the state are teaming up for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign to urge all football fans to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend and pass the keys to a sober driver before the drinking begins.
Many law enforcement agencies will be setting up DUI checkpoints or deploying additional officers on special DUI saturation patrols to stop and arrest impaired drivers during and following the game. “This Super Bowl, volunteer to be a designated driver to help your family and friends get home safely,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Impaired driving can lead to disaster and tragedy. It is never worth the risk. If you do plan to drink, or are taking medications or using marijuana, plan now to pass the keys to a sober driver before kickoff.”
Impaired driving can be deadly. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, but even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times enough to make driving unsafe. Drugs such as many prescription medications, marijuana or illicit drugs can also lead to impairment, unsafe driving, and a DUI arrest.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The featurepackedapp even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, make sure you have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks on hand and be prepared to help any guest get home safely. For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol and be aware of possible drug impairment. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel – remember: Fans
Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.For more information, visit www.ots.ca.gov. Follow us on Twitter at @OTS_CA or “Like” us at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS and keep up with the latest traffic safety information.
