Super Bowl Sunday is one of the worst days of the year for motor vehicle crashes, including those due to drunk driving. The hours just before and just after the game are the most dangerous.
“Hosts for Super Bowl parties should follow a few simple steps to ensure a safe Super Bowl Sunday,” said Ryan Wilson, operations manager at AMR Central Mississippi. “Party hosts, bartenders and servers have a responsibility to help keep drunk drivers off the road. By fulfilling that responsibility, you’ll possibly save lives, prevent huge legal and medical expenses, keep you out of jail and avoid lifelong guilt, shame and regret.”
Wilson advised party hosts to:
Limit your own alcohol intake so you can make proper decisions for your guests
As each group of guests arrives, identify the designated driver right then. Take that driver’s keys and be sure the driver is sober when leaving. Remember: A designated driver is not the person who drinks the least alcohol, but someone who drinks zero alcohol.
Serve plenty of food.
Place non-alcoholic beverages such as seltzer, soda and water alongside alcoholic beverages.
Serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the same size and shape glass.
Provide non-alcoholic “mocktails,” which can be a fun alternative to alcoholic beverages. There are dozens of mocktail recipes online.
Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter (the same as some NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert. But keep in mind: Coffee does not make one sober.
If a guest has been drinking but has no designated driver, offer to call a ride-share service or a taxi or invite the guest to sleep over at your home. Take the guest’s keys. The guest might grumble but will thank you later.
As guests leave, make sure everyone is buckled up. Seatbelts are the best defense against impaired drivers in other vehicles.
Wilson also urged party hosts to prevent falls by clearing walkways, porches and stairs and providing adequate lighting. He said, “WUI (walking under the influence) can also lead to serious injury.”
Operating in 20 Mississippi counties, AMR companies are the state’s busiest ambulance services.
