Super Bowl Sunday: Don’t Drink And Drive Message From Local Group

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A local nonprofit focused on combating drunk driving is urging Montgomery County residents to develop a "game plan" before going out and celebrating this year's Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 4.

Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) ask residents to use a sober driver if they plan on drinking for the big game.

Over a third of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers during Super Bowl Sunday, said Kurt Gregory Erickson, President of WRAP.

“Even if you have every confidence in your own ability to not drive impaired, that confidence doesn’t extend to the next driver,” Erickson said.

For those hosting Super Bowl parties, WRAP’s tips to prevent drunk driving include:

• Urge guests to use a sober driver or alternative transportation like taxi cabs, public transportation or ride-sharing services.
• Never serve anyone who appears to be impaired.
• Close the bar at least an hour before the event's end.
• Designate a sober bartender (don't let guests mix their own drinks.)
• Serve food with alcohol (high protein foods like meats and cheeses stay in the stomach longer thereby slowing the body’s alcohol absorption rate).
• Use a non-carbonated base in alcoholic punches. (the body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation).
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option.
• Never serve minors.
• Never allow an impaired guest to get behind the wheel.

Motorists in the Montgomery County area who suspect they are sharing a roadway with an impaired driver should report such by safely dialing 911 in D.C. or Maryland and 77 in Virginia.

For more information, visit WRAP’s web site at www.wrap.org.

Image via Pixabay. Graphic via WRAP.