The Super Bowl is one of the largest and most viewed sporting events in the country, and brings together families and friends to socialize and watch the big game. The Hays Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to act responsibly this Super Bowl Sunday by designating a sober driver.
In addition to being one of the most popular sporting events in America, Super Bowl Sunday has also become known to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and law enforcement, as one of the nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. The Hays Police Department urges citizens to designate a sober driver, or use alternate forms of transportation, during Sunday’s big game.
The Hays Police Department has included a few tips to ensure that your Super Bowl Sunday is a safe one.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve plenty of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for the local cab company and the Access Bus, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, take advantage of the Access Bus, or call a cab.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk, and Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
• Don’t drive distracted. Even on Super Bowl Sunday it’s important to remember that it is illegal to text while driving, so don’t text your friends for the score until you arrive safely at your destination.
• Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.
The Hays Police Department would like to remind everyone that while the Safe Ride program will not be operating Sunday, individuals can still call the Access Van for public transportation. That phone number is (785) 628-1052. It will run until 9:30 p.m. Sunday, and the cost is $1.50 per person.