LCSD

As Super Bowl LIII quickly approaches, I’d like to remind football fans that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunk driving. Super Bowl Sunday is a festive night across the country, but if your night involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home.

Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. For most, even one drink can be one too many.

Safety should be your No. 1 priority: When it’s time to leave the party, make sure your designated driver is actually sober. If he or she decided to drink, you should call a cab, or someone else who you know hasn’t been drinking.

Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you if needed. If you are driving, remember that sober driving isn’t the only law that should be followed: Make sure you—and your driver—wear your seat belts. It’s your best defense in a crash.

If you’re planning on being the designated driver, refrain from drinking alcohol—it’s that simple. People are relying on you. While at the party, enjoy the food, the company and nonalcoholic drinks.

It is illegal everywhere in America to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Even still, thousands die each year in drunk-driving-related crashes. In 2017, there were 10,874 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. The costs can be financial, too: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing and repairs, higher insurance rates and lost wages.