Friday, January 23, 2009

Make the Right Call Super Bowl Sunday by Designating a Sober Driver

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

JEFFERSON CITY - Kickoff your Super Bowl Party this year by tossing your keys to a sober driver before you throw one back.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's largest and most entertaining national sporting events, with many friends and families gathering to watch the big game. It is also one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roads, due to drinking and driving.

Last year in Missouri, there were three fatal crashes and two disabling injury crashes involving impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, make the right call and help prevent those unnecessary deaths and injuries.

"If you are on the roads Super Bowl Sunday, be safe and make smart decisions," said Leanna Depue, director of the Highway Safety Division with the Missouri Department of Transportation. "Designate a sober driver and Buckle Up to Arrive Alive."

The National Highway Safety Administration reports that young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to be involved in automobile crashes, to drive while impaired and be among those least likely to wear their safety belts. Research also shows that the same group is the core audience for major sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Be a responsible Super Bowl host or guest by following these tips:

· Make sure all guests have a designated driver.
· Find unique ways to recognize designated drivers at your party.
· Serve plenty of food and include soft drinks, juice and water.
· Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game.
· Have the numbers of local cab companies at hand.
· Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
· Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.

Be responsible at a Super Bowl party:

· Toss your keys to a designated driver before the game.
· Bring the numbers for local cab companies.
· Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast.
· Don't let your friends drive impaired.
· Always buckle up - it's your best defense against other impaired drivers.

Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. For more information on safety belts or impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

The white lines on I-255 near J B bridge between Telegraph and Lindbergh exits are almost invisible. I've heard many similar comments. This condition may cause accidents if not already. Please, please remedy this soon. Thanks billsue@htc.net

Sally Oxenhandler said...

Here is information from MoDOT's St. Louis office regarding the white lines: The white lines are 3M tape known for its highly reflective material. The tape blends in more with the concrete surface because of the concrete's color, rather than the darker asphalt roadway, where it is more noticeable. They are still visible during the day and have bright reflectivity at night. At this time, MoDOT does not have plans to replace the existing white stripe lines.