Provided by PennDOT:
Credit: PennDOT
PennDOT, Philadelphia police, Uber and AAA Mid-Atlantic held an event Wednesday at Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philadelphia to highlight impaired driving prevention and to encourage safe driving on Super Bowl Sunday.
As part of the event, police discussed increased use of roving patrols on Super Bowl Sunday to target impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participants also provided Super Bowl party-hosting tips and non-alcoholic drink options to prevent party-goers from drinking and driving.
According to preliminary PennDOT data, there were 181 crashes in Pennsylvania during last year’s Super Bowl. Of those crashes, 17 were alcohol-related.
PennDOT reminds Eagles fans that if attending a Super Bowl celebration involving alcohol it is imperative to designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation before kickoff.
“This weekend, we’re encouraging all fans in Philadelphia to be a Designated Rider: someone who takes responsibility for finding a safe way to get home after the Big Game,” said Craig Ewer, spokesperson for Uber Philadelphia. “Whether you take a train, a bus, or an Uber, there’s never an excuse for driving under the influence of alcohol.”
Police also encourages football fans to remember the following safety tips:
- If hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks;
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter, and switch to coffee and dessert;
- Take the keys from someone who has had too much to drink and help them find a safe ride home;
- For those without a sober designated driver, call for a cab, community sober ride program, ridesharing service or stay put;
- Download the Safer Ride App for Android and Apple phones beforehand and use if it needed. It can help a user find a taxi or ridesharing service, call a friend or family member for assistance, and view of map of their current location;
- If you are the designated driver, be sure to avoid distractions, always wear your seatbelt, and require passengers to do the same; and
- Report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.
