Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), U.S. Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are reminding the public that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride with a sober driver, or stay at home. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers, and give extra care to making sure those who are driving home aren’t impaired.
The Big Game is this Sunday, February 11, 2024, and should be enjoyed responsibly and safely.
According to NHTSA, more than 13,000 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes annually, that is nearly one person killed every 39 minutes. Fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes increased from 14 percent to 31 percent in recent years. In Connecticut in 2021, the last year of verifiable data, 112 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 40% of all fatalities in the state.
“As you make plans for watching the Big Game on Sunday, we urge you to put choosing a sober driver at the top of your checklist. Better yet, take public transportation or support your friends by staying sober yourself,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “If someone you know has been drinking or using cannabis and tries to drive, take their keys, and help them get home safely. Remember: fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
“The Super Bowl is a great time to get together with friends and family. Regardless of which team you’ll be cheering for, Troopers ask that you be our partners in ensuring the safety of all drivers, passengers and first responders on our roadways,” said Connecticut State Police Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman. If you consume alcohol or cannabis, please plan ahead and arrange for a sober ride home after the game, so everyone has the opportunity to celebrate again next year."
“Super Bowl weekend is a fun-filled, uniquely American celebration featuring game-day parties with ample food and drink,” said Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger, chair of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association’s Traffic Safety Committee. “The Connecticut Police Chiefs remind all party-goers to use a designated driver in order to keep our roadways safe for all to use. Connecticut’s police officers will be highly visible and arresting any driver found to be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance. Intoxicated drivers have no place on Connecticut’s roadways.”
There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or rideshare service, or using public transportation. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to call 911.
No matter who you are rooting for this weekend, if you drive drunk, you lose. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, visit nhtsa.gov.