The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with Berks County police departments to urge those enjoying Super Bowl festivities or their guests to get home safely.
If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and plan to drink alcohol, make sure you plan for a designated driver, said Sgt. David Bentz of the Exeter Township Police Department’s traffic safety unit. Bentz is also the Berks County coordinator for the federally funded North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.
“Super Bowl is a special night each year for our community to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads,” Bentz said in a release. “If you are planning to be away from home during Super Bowl LIX, make a game plan to ensure you don’t find yourself without a designated driver if you need one.
“If you’re hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
Drunken driving can have a range of consequences, including the possibility of causing a traumatic crash. These crashes could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries or even death, he said.
If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance.
Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water.
Another important reminder: Never serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
If you’re planning to be a designated driver, Bentz said, know that you’re the night’s MVP. Commit to a sober evening — people are relying on you.