There’s Nothing Super about getting a DUI on Football’s Biggest Day

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and law enforcement statewide are reminding everyone there is nothing super about making the irresponsible decision to drive drunk on professional football’s biggest day of the year.  While celebrating Super Bowl LV may look different with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, one thing is for sure…fans will almost certainly still involve alcohol in their festivities. That is why state troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers across Georgia are urging everyone to have a sober ride plan confirmed before kickoff. If not, law enforcement will not hesitate to pull you over and take you straight to jail if you are impaired. No warnings, no excuses.  “It’s a team effort to help keep Georgia’s roads safe by getting impaired drivers off the road and that effort will continue throughout Super Bowl weekend,” GOHS Director Allen Poole said. “And because a DUI conviction can cost up to $10,000 in fines, court costs, lawyer fees, higher insurance premiums, and lost wages, your night could end up being more expensive than a Super Bowl ticket.”  Last year’s Super Bowl took place on February 2, 2020, and during that weekend, the Georgia State Patrol alone made 184 DUI arrests in just two and a half days from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday. That does not include local city and county law enforcement agencies, who along with the Georgia State Patrol maintain a year-round zero-tolerance policy for any drunk or impaired motorists.  “Even if you’re staying home and just having a few friends over, everyone has the responsibility to make sure they either drive sober or have a designated driver,” Poole said. “And if you are hosting friends or family, you have the responsibility to make sure nobody leaves your home with car keys in their hand if they’ve been drinking.”  Overall in 2019, there were 353 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in Georgia. With 1,491 total traffic deaths that year, that means alcohol was involved in almost one out of every four traffic fatalities in the state.  To help keep the celebrated football weekend as safe as possible, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety offers the following safety tips.  Confirm a designated driver before kickoff.  Schedule a ride with a rideshare service or cab company before leaving for your party.  Keep your phone charged so you can call a cab or order a rideshare if your original sober ride plans fall through.  Be a good host by serving lots of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages if you also plan to serve alcohol.  Be prepared to take keys away from anyone who wants to drive after drinking.