NHTSA Warns Against Drinking and Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is raising awareness about increased drunk driving associated with Super Bowl Sunday. The federal agency launched its annual “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign to remind drivers about the dangers of drunk driving, highlighting the fact that Super Bowl Sunday is no exception for this behavior.

Drunk driving claims the lives of 10,625 people every year in the U.S., which averages about one death every 51 minutes. The NHTSA is reminding drivers everywhere that operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content over .08 is illegal, and violators will be arrested, charged and prosecuted.

While Super Bowl Sunday is not the worst day in California for drunk driving crashes, the number of incidents continue to grow each year and represent a significant increase from other Sundays throughout the year.

For the last five years, the number of auto accidents caused by impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday has increased by 77 percent, compared to other Sundays. In the mid-2000s, the number of car accidents caused by impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday was at 44 percent.

Local law enforcement is taking steps to ensure those who violate drunk driving laws are caught. At least one DUI traffic-stop check-point will be set up on Saturday night to send a message for drivers on Sunday.

In 2016, California Highway Patrol (CHP) made 360 drunk driving arrests statewide on Super Bowl Sunday. This accounted for the second highest number of drunk driving arrests on a single day, aside from Labor Day weekend when the CHP launched a weekend long campaign on drunk driving.

The NHTSA and California’s safety officials and law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers that alternative modes of transportation exist and will lessen the risk of a fatal drunk driving accident.

The NHTSA’s app, SaferRide, and California’s Office of Traffic Safety’s Designated Driver VIP (DDVIP) will help locate a taxi or ride service as an alternative to driving. Both apps are free and are available for Apple and Android devices.

If you choose to drink on Sunday, remember to consume alcohol responsibly in a safe environment and to select a designated driver beforehand.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation. The Sacramento auto accident attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm can help you fight for the damages you deserve.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to begin or contact an injury lawyer at (916) 777-7777.