Don't Drink And Drive After Watching Tonight's Super Bowl

There could be more than one loser today, Super Bowl Sunday, especially if you drink and drive after the big game, according to the St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI and Traffic Safety Programs.

The county programs are teaming up with the National Football League (NFL), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials, to remind everyone to designate a sober driver if they plan to be drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday.

The message is simple - "Fans don't let fans drive drunk."

"Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone's Super Bowl party list," said Michele J. James, St. Lawrence County Special Programs coordinator, in a prepared statement. "It's just one of several easy steps to help save lives."

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's biggest and most entertaining national sporting events, as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game.

Yet, it has also become one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roadways - due to impaired driving, according to Ms. James.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday, 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.

Ms. James has some tips for those hosting a Super Bowl party:

* Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served alcohol to ends up in an impaired-driving crash.

* Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.

* Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party

* Give them a great spot to watch the game.

* Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.

* Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.

* Make sure their car is easy to access so they are ready when it is time to start driving people home.

* Serve plenty of food - and include soft drinks, juice, and water.

* Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.

* Program the numbers for local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.

* Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

* Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

* Designate your sober driver before the party begins, or make arrangements with a friend or family member to pick you up.

* Give your designated driver your car keys and your appreciation for making sure you get home safely.

* Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out a bar or restaurant

* Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out.

* Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas.

* Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.

* Pick up the tab for their food and drink.

* Before you go out, program the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away.

* Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.

* Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.

"Please act responsibly," Ms. James added, "Pass your keys to a sober driver before the big game begins. And remember, real fans don't let fans drive drunk.