A drunk driving prevention campaign has been launched by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to combat impaired driving ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.

According to the NHTSA, “alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually. In 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – one every 51 minutes.” (NHTSA.gov/impaired)

Statistics show an uptick in alcohol related accidents on the evening of Super Bowl Sunday. The NHTSA states that 40% of motor vehicle accident fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday stem from drunk driving.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, the NHTSA recommends the following:
-Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
-Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party such as: giving them a great spot to watch the game and letting them have the first pass at the buffet table; and making sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home
-Serve plenty of food
-Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water
-Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks
-Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age
-Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away
-Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired
-Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available

Be smart, safe, and enjoy the big game!