SOUTH COUNTY—Multiple law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers Super Bowl Sunday with five Roving DUI Saturation Patrols during and following the Feb. 1 championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
“The California Office of Traffic Safety and police, Sheriffs and the (California Highway Patrol) are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking or driving,” the Jan. 30 press release states. “If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.”
The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel or a vehicle after drinking, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department statement.
The “Avoid the 13 —Santa Clara County DUI Task Force” will deploy into communities where collision data reveals high incidents of DUI crashes and arrests, according to the release.
In 2013, there were 867 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in California—29 percent of all crash fatalities in the state, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, the legal limit.
“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” Sheriff Laurie Smith said. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive—but never do both.”
California Office of Traffic Safety is offering a free mobile app—DDVIP—aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants.
