READING, Pa. – Police in Berks County are urging people to be responsible this Super Bowl Sunday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Berks County Police are teaming up to remind drivers: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk, according to a news release from Sgt. David M. Bentz with the Exeter Township Police Department.
Police say anyone planning to attend a Super Bowl LX party should either plan for a designated driver or not indulge in drinking.
People hosting a party should prepare plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options for guests, especially for the designated drivers, Exeter Township police said.
“The designated driver is the night’s real MVP and should keep that commitment from kickoff until time expires,” police say.
“Super Bowl is a special event each year for our community to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads,” said Sgt. Bentz, who is the Berks County Coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement program.
“If you are planning to be away from home during Super Bowl LX, 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, take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
Police say those hosting a Super Bowl party should prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcohol drinks for guests and designated drivers. Hosts should encourage guests to designate their sober drivers in advance, and to eat food and drink plenty of water, police said in the news release.
It is never okay to serve alcohol to minors. Police say 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.
Police in Berks say designated drivers should commit to a sober evening. If a designated driver is attending a party or is at a bar or restaurant, they should enjoy the food, the company, and the nonalcoholic drinks, police said in the news release.
Police say their positive influence could help keep others on the right track.
Local authorities are urging everyone to celebrate Super Bowl LX safely by making a plan before the festivities begin.
The most important step, police say, is arranging for a sober ride in advance — whether that means designating a sober driver, using a taxi service, or booking a rideshare.
Because alcohol clouds a person’s judgement, designated drivers should be prepared to help others who failed to plan ahead find a safe and sober way home, police in Berks said.
Police say community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.