Football jersey, check. Chips and dip, check. Designated driver, check. These are the items the California Highway Patrol hopes Super Bowl spectators include in their Sunday game plan.
Whether you're attending a house party or cheering at a bar, the CHP is reminding people to plan ahead and schedule a safe ride home following Super Bowl festivities.
If you choose to drink, you can call a cab or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, use public transportation or set up a designated driver in advance.
Don't wait 'til tomorrow to come up with a game plan for getting home from the Super Bowl Party. 🏈 Your playbook 📗 should always include a sober ride home!#BuzzedDriving pic.twitter.com/7TIYzlqDsY
— CHP Headquarters (@CHP_HQ) February 2, 2020
CHP says if you are hosting a watch party, you should consider the designated driver by offering non-alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to a DUI (driving under the influence) arrest. According to CHP, cannabis, prescription drugs and illegal drugs can also impair driving.
On Super Bowl Sunday in 2019, three people died and at least 140 people were injured in alcohol-involved collisions in California, according to preliminary CHP data. In addition, 187 DUI arrests were made that day.
CHP encourages people to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1. Officials say people should be prepared to give the vehicles description, location, license plate number and direction of travel.
