The Super Bowl is this weekend, and local and state agencies are reminding fans and partygoers that police officers will be out in force to try and keep roads safe.
Law enforcement will be checking for impaired drivers and encouraging more people to wear their seat belts.
Celebrators who partake in alcohol or cannabis before hitting the roads run the risk of getting arrested.
In a statement, Lt. Dan Hostens of the Galesburg Police Department says, “Because many Illinoisans watch the Super Bowl with friends while enjoying an array of snacks and adult beverages, it’s important that they plan ahead for safe rides home. Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired. Just one is one too many.”
If you’re attending a Super Bowl party, here are some tips:
- Designate a sober driver ahead of time or plan to use your community’s sober ride program, call a cab or use your favorite ride-sharing app.
- Don’t let friends and family members drive impaired. Help them get home safely.
- Wear your seat belt and make sure everyone in the vehicle does the same.
- Promptly report drunk drivers by calling 911.
- Remember, walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you.
If you plan to host a Super Bowl party, the Illinois State Police have some tips for making sure everyone has a safe time.
- Make sure all your guests have a sober ride.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
- Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.
Throughout Super Bowl weekend, state police and local law enforcement will have a visible presence to stop anyone caught driving impaired. Police also will ticket drivers and passengers who are not buckled up.
“Driving under the influence is the number one cause of highway fatalities,” said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “The Illinois State Police will be watching for drivers under the influence, throwing down penalty flags on violators, and ejecting dangerous drivers out of the game and right into the county jail.”
