California Highway Patrol officers bracing for a spillover of Rams fans onto state highways announced Thursday they’re ready “tackle DUI” on Super Bowl Sunday.
“As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to represent the Golden State at this year’s Super Bowl, the California Highway Patrol is ready to do its part to ensure the motoring public safely arrives at their destination,” said a CHP news release.
The CHP is encouraging “the public to designate a sober driver in advance of this weekend’s festivities,” CHP spokesman Officer Jaime Coffee announced in a news release issued Thursday.
“On Sunday, Feb. 3, football fans will join with friends and family to watch Super Bowl LIII,” Coffee wrote in the release. “The CHP is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists to designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service if their plans include alcohol.”
“Impaired driving is not only irresponsible, but it can also destroy lives,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley was quoted as saying in the news release. “Choosing to get behind the wheel while under the influence can result in arrest, injury, or death. If you drink or use other impairing substances, do not drive.”
According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, last year on Super Bowl Sunday, seven people were killed in alcohol-involved collisions and 134 others were injured on California’s roadways.
The same day, there were 352 arrests made by the CHP for driving under the influence. Consequences of a DUI arrest are jail time, the loss of a driver license, higher insurance rates, court fees, car towing and repair, and lost wages from time off work.
“Have a plan in place before the game,” Stanley said. “If you will be consuming alcoholic beverages or using other substances that may affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle, make the smart choice to use public transportation, a designated driver, or a rideshare service to get home.”
“If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel,” he said. “Have non-alcoholic choices for the designated drivers and ask guests to make proper arrangements and designate a sober driver before the big game begins.”
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