COAL TOWNSHIP - The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Football League and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition have joined forces with Northumberland County local highway safety and law enforcement officials to spread the message about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday, because fans don't let fans drive drunk.
This Sunday, police officers throughout Northumberland County will be out in force cracking down on drunk drivers throughout the region with aggressive "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement.
"You'll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period, and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for drunk driving," Coal Township officer Terry Ketchem, county coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI enforcement program.
According to the NHTSA, 9,878 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2011. These crashes were 31 percent more likely to occur on weekends.
NHTSA offers the following safety tips for those watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant, or attending a Super Bowl party.
- Designate a sober driver or make plans before the party begins to get home safely.
- If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, friend or family member to come get you or just stay for the night.
- Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.
Tips for those hosting Super Bowl parties:
- Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure they get home safely.
- Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter and begin serving coffee and dessert.
- Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.