Hosting a Party or Going Out, Make a Plan to Keep Everyone Safe
DALLAS — As Super Bowl partygoers make plans for watching the big game on Sunday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging everyone to put choosing a non-drinking, sober driver at the top of their checklist.
Super Bowl Sunday continually ranks as one of the most dangerous times of the year for drunk driving deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 people were killed on Super Bowl Sunday in alcohol-related crashes in 2019, accounting for 35% of all traffic deaths on Sunday through 5:59 a.m. on Monday.
“MADD first popularized the lifesaving choice to designate a driver 35 years ago, and it’s easier than ever to make that choice today,” said MADD National President Alex Otte. “We want everyone to enjoy the game and celebrate with a plan for a sober, non-drinking driver. If you drink, don’t drive.”
Drunk driving is the leading killer on our nation’s roads, killing 28 people every day and injuring hundreds more. In 2019, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. Recent estimates show traffic deaths increased in 2020 and 2021, due in part to impaired driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts.
Here are tips to stay safe on game day:
- Whether you are going out or staying in, celebrate with a plan.
- Designate a non-drinking driver – a non-drinking friend or family member, public transportation, taxi or rideshare apps like Alto, Lyft and Uber.
- Never get into a vehicle with someone who is impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
- Save the numbers of local transportation options in your phone.
- Make a big weekend of it and get a car service or limousine.
- If you are hosting a party, offer festive, non-alcoholic beverages to celebrate the designated drivers.
- Don’t provide alcohol to anyone under age 21.
- Remember that alcohol isn’t the only substance that can keep you from driving safely: marijuana or other drugs, even those prescribed to you, can affect a driver’s ability to react to their surroundings. Marijuana can slow reaction time, affecting a driver’s ability to drive safely and is even more dangerous when mixed with alcohol.
- Many states now allow for alcohol delivery or curbside pickup. Do not consume alcohol in the vehicle, as all 50 states have open container laws. Keep the alcohol sealed and out of reach of the driver. Like all other alcohol sales, curbside sales and alcohol deliveries must always ensure that the sales are to people who are at least 21 years old.
- Always buckle up – seatbelts are the best defense against an impaired driver.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
