CINCINNATI, OH (February 2, 2018)—– Festivities for Sunday’s big game are fast approaching with scores of people making plans as to where to watch and what they will eat and drink. AAA advises party planners and football fans to prepare by designating a sober driver or arranging for alternate transportation options. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities often spike on holidays and popular drinking days, like Super Bowl Sunday. Drunk driving can be deadly, and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement to make driving unsafe. In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers.

Since the start of 2018, there have been 336 crashes involving alcohol on Ohio roads, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.  Each year, alcohol is involved in about 30% of all traffic deaths statewide.

“Drinking and driving is not a game – it’s a deadly combination and a crime – both of which are 100 percent preventable,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “Make your winning drive a sober one and designate a driver before you indulge in game day spirits.  Don’t fumble when it comes to safety.”

Tips for a Safe Big Game Party 

To strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA is offering important safety advice to motorists and passengers:

• Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
• Never get behind the wheel of a car when you have been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.
• Use Uber, Lyft, or call a taxi. Put numbers for local cab/ridesharing companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.
• Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.
• 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 location to make the call yourself).
• Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.

 AAA works year-round to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving in an effort to reduce traffic-related crashes and injuries.  Visit PreventDUI.AAA.com for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.