The Super Bowl is one of the most celebrated days of the year in the United States, as millions of football fans all over the country come together to watch the ultimate finale of the NFL season. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents spike significantly on Super Bowl Sunday, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road in great danger. Here’s what to know about drunk driving accidents on Super Bowl Sunday: 

The Social Aspect

The social aspect of the Super Bowl is huge; People tend to host large gatherings with family and friends to watch the big game and celebrate the occasion. 

The issue of drunk driving arises because these gatherings often involve heavy drinking throughout the duration of the game. When large groups of people come together, a greater amount of alcohol is generally involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that drunk driving incidents spike by 40% on Super Bowl Sunday in comparison to other days of the year. 

Drunk Driving Facts

Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. When a person gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, their cognitive, visual, and physical cues are greatly impaired, resulting in serious and deadly consequences. Here are some important facts and statistics to know:

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a drunk driving related death about every 45 minutes. 
  • In 2020, 11,654 people died as a result of drunk driving. 
  • Even at the legal limit of .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), there is a greater risk of an accident occurring. 
  • Around 30 people die per day due to drunk driving related accidents. 
  • The average DUI court case can run you around $10,000. 

According to the car accident attorneys at Hendy | Johnson | Vaughn | Emery, drunk driving accidents are some of the most common cases they see. 

How to Reduce the Risk this Super Bowl Sunday

There are a multitude of steps you can take to reduce the risks of a drunk driving accident this Super Bowl Sunday. 

First, it is important to indicate a designated driver if you are planning on celebrating the Super Bowl with alcohol. As the NHTSA says, if you’ve been drinking, you’re benched. A sober, designated driver can help to make sure that everyone makes it home safely once the festivities have concluded. Family members, friends, and rideshare services are all good options when choosing a designated driver. Making the decision to have a designated driver is a responsible way to keep yourself and others safe on the road this Super Bowl Sunday. 

Another way you can reduce the risks of drunk driving is to use alternative modes of transportation such as buses, trains, taxis and rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. If you’ve been drinking, it’s always a good idea to spend the night at a friend’s house rather than get behind the wheel. 

If you’re the host of this year’s Super Bowl gathering, be sure to provide plenty of satiating snacks and non-alcoholic drink options for guests. Additionally, make sure to hold your family and friends accountable – if they have been drinking, do your best to make sure they do not get behind the wheel. 

Takeaways

This Super Bowl Sunday, do your best to take the necessary precautions in order to reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents. By holding others accountable, monitoring your drinking, and setting up a safe ride home, you can do your part this year to make the Super Bowl both a fun and safe environment.