State Highway Officials Urge Football Fans To Drive Safe This Sunday

According to the U.S. Census, 123 Million people tuned in to watch last year's Super Bowl. And with people all over the nation gearing up to gather and do it all again this coming Sunday, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety wants to remind folks that if they plan to party, they should make arrangements, in advance, to get home safely.

They've boiled their Super Bowl safety message down to one simple slogan: Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.

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The statistics show that impaired driving is unfortunately a serious problem in Maine, with 26 impaired driving fatalities recorded last year alone. And the problem seems to be twice as high at night than during the day.

Aroostook County Chief Deputy Erica Pelletier says “The Super Bowl is a time for football, friends and family, funny and creative commercials, and good food. The referees on game day might not always make the right call, but you can! When heading out to celebrate, have a game plan."

Regardless of whether you plan to go out to a restaurant or bar and take in the Chiefs Vs the Eagles, or if you plan to head to a friend's house and watch the game, designating a driver in advance, or securing a ride with an Uber, a taxi or some sort of lift service will not only ensure that you get home safely, but that others on the road will stay safe, too. Another option would be to arrange to stay the night wherever you're celebrating if it's possible.

The folks in charge of Maine's Highways also recommend that if you're going to host a Super Bowl gathering, it's a good idea to make sure everyone drinks enough water and eats enough food to balance out their alcohol intake, and that you serve some non-alcoholic beverages for the DD.

Stay safe and have fun this Super Bowl Sunday.