ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Football League’s Super Bowl LV is on Sunday, February 7, 2021, and it’s one of America’s favorite annual celebrations. While the way we view sporting events has changed for now as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we still want to make sure everyone is safe on Super Bowl Sunday.
The Arlington County Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. The campaign encourages fans to make plans ahead of game time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. According to data from NHTSA, in 2019, there were 10,142 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes throughout the United States. That’s why the Arlington County Police Department is increasing saturation patrols on Super Bowl Sunday to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers.
Have a Game Plan
While people are practicing physical distancing and following public health guidelines, we know festivities will still occur, even on a smaller scale. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol, make it your game plan to take a sober ride home and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. No matter what, do not drink any alcohol — people are relying on you.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
For more information on the dangers of drunk driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
