LOS ANGELES – The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the Super Bowl on February 12 in Glendale, Arizona. Millions of people will watch the Big Game in bars, restaurants and homes across Southern California and the country. That’s why the Auto Club, MADD and law enforcement are reminding fans to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs this coming weekend.
One-third of all accidents in California are due to impaired driving. According to the California Highway Patrol, during the last five Super Bowl Sundays, there were 1,363 DUI crashes that resulted in 43 fatalities and 756 injuries in the Golden State. Nationwide, in 2020 (the most recent national data available), 55 people died on Super Bowl Sunday, accounting for 44% of all traffic deaths that day of the week.
“Our message to drivers is drive sober or quit,” said Doug Shupe, director of corporate communications for the Auto Club. “A DUI collision could change your life or someone else’s life forever, leave you with a lifetime of guilt, prevent you from getting the job you want, and cost you a lot of money. Your whole life is can be adversely affected if you make the wrong decision to drive after drinking alcohol.” According to Auto Club research, a first-time DUI conviction in California could cost a driver $22,578 in court, fines, DMV fees and penalties, alcohol education classes, attorneys’ fees and additional costs of insurance Beyond the financial penalties of a DUI, there is a far greater cost which is that of a human life. That’s why the Auto Club, law enforcement and MADD are reminding fans to plan before heading out to watch the game.
“We urge everyone to put a sober, non-drinking driver at the top of their Super Bowl party checklist,” said Patricia Rillera, executive director of MADD California. “Whether you’re going out or staying in, celebrate with a plan.”
In addition to drinking and driving, legal recreational marijuana and driving are also a concern. Whether you smoke, vape, or consume edibles, getting behind the wheel while high on marijuana also poses a risk to everyone on the road. In fact, next to alcohol, marijuana is the most common drug among drivers who have been involved in crashes.
The research shows that drivers involved in crashes who also tested positive for THC were three to seven times more likely to be responsible for causing the crash. Marijuana’s effects on driving skills include:
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Slower reaction times
- Impossibility to stay in traffic lanes
- Difficulty judging distances
- Slower decision making
- Reduced peripheral/side vision
- Reduced coordination
This weekend, CHP and LAPD officers will be keeping a close eye on alcohol and drugs on our roadways.
“The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, and many people will choose to watch the game with alcohol. We want members of our community to enjoy the Big Game, but do so responsibly and safely,” he said. said LAPD Traffic Services Bureau Deputy Chief Donald Graham. “We need the commitment of drivers to help keep the roads safe, and if they don’t, we’ll be there.”
“We are on high alert for impaired drivers,” said CHP Central Los Angeles Area Capt. Jared Perry. “Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can lead to a DUI arrest. Cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can affect your ability to drive and send you to prison”.
Elina Medina knows the pain of losing someone to DUI. On April 6, 1996, her best friend was driving her and Medina’s 4-year-old brother home when an impaired driver going 64 miles per hour on a residential street crashed into them while they were in a intersection
“After the accident, somebody had to help me out of the car and I was screaming for somebody to help my brother,” Medina said.
Tragically, Medina’s younger brother was ejected from the car and died. Her best friend, who was driving at the time, also died instantly. The driver who hit them was a repeat offender and this accident was his fourth DUI. After a mistrial, the driver pleaded guilty during a second trial and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Medina has suffered from survivor’s guilt in the years since the accident.
“Not being able to hug them, or see them, or celebrate life with them is completely devastating, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I go through on a daily basis,” Medina said.
The Auto Club, MADD and law enforcement offer the following tips to ensure safe roads this Super Bowl weekend.
Hosts of the party:
·Ask guests to designate a sober driver in advance.
·Keep the phone numbers of sober travel services handy.
·Take car keys from partygoers when they arrive and don’t let them drive with disabilities.
· Encourage the guests to follow their pace. Serve food and drinks without alcohol and water. Many mocktail recipes, including those featuring team colors, can be found online.
· Do not serve alcohol or cannabis to those under 21 years of age. It’s illegal.
·Allow guests to stay overnight, if possible.
Super Bowl fans and revelers:
·Designate a sober driver or a safe ride home before attending a Super Bowl party.
·Make sure your designated driver is sober. If he decides to drink, call a sober friend or family member to drive him home. Or, if possible, stay where you are for the night.
·Never drive as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been using marijuana or drinking alcohol, even after drinking.
·If you are under 21 years old, do not consume alcohol or marijuana. It’s against the law.
Designated drivers:
- Take your role as designated driver seriously. Refrain from any alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Always fasten your seat belt and force passengers to do the same.
- If someone you know has been drinking or using marijuana, take their keys and help them get home safely.
- If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe place to make the call yourself).
