It’s almost kickoff time for America’s most-watched sporting event. On Sunday, February 4, as fans tune in for Super Bowl LII, lots of their game-day socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the Newport Beach Police Department joins the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Police Departments, Sheriff’s Departments, and the CHP statewide in sharing this reminder: If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.
The NBPD will deploy additional officers on DUI Saturation Patrols during and following Sunday’s game. These officers will be tasked with stopping and arresting drivers who show signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
Impaired driving near or above the .08 BAC limit can be deadly, and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement to make driving unsafe. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 10,497 people died nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. Right here in California, 1,059 DUI deaths (involving a BAC of .08 or above) were reported to NHTSA that year.
The Newport Beach Police Department supports the message from the Office of Traffic Safety that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Drug-impaired driving is a problem on California roadways. Driving while impaired – by alcohol, by drugs, or by a combination of the two – is dangerous and illegal. Whether the drug is legally prescribed, an illicit drug, or marijuana, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the safety and lives of drivers, vehicle passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
“Be sure to have a game plan for Super Bowl Sunday so you – and everyone else on the road – can get home safely,” said Sergeant Michael Schiavi. “If you aren’t sober, you have options: a designated driver, ride sharing, public transit... but do not make the decision to get behind the wheel if you are impaired.”
There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The OTS DDVIP app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The app offers enhanced features, allowing users to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Additionally, the app users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb.
This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Don’t fumble! Designate your sober driver before the big game begins. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911’!
