Super Bowl Sunday notorious for drunk driving
Contrary to popular belief, New Year’s Eve and Labor Day are not the worst days for drunk driving deaths. Instead, Super Bowl Sunday ranks at the top of the list as a higher percentage of people are killed by drunk drivers the evening of the big game than almost any day of the year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 86 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in 2002, representing 58 percent of all traffic crashes that day, compared to an average 41 percent for the year.
“There is a real need for safe driving reminders, as Super Bowl viewers will be in for more than five minutes and millions of dollars worth of beer ads,” said Nancy Denning, state executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “Planning ahead is the key to a safe celebration. Cabs, party buses, limos, designated drivers and staying where the party is. There are lots of safe alternatives to drinking and driving.”
MADD is encouraging party hosts to be responsible by offering a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and not to let friends drink and drive following parties. They are also urging restaurant and bar owners to perform responsible beverage practices by checking IDs and cutting off those who are visibly intoxicated and not allowing them to drive.
“A good defense in football helps the team, but one good defense against drunk driving is a designated driver,” said Wendy J. Hamilton, national president of MADD.
MADD has a Web site containing a party guide which may be found on the Internet at www.madd.org/party.