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It’s an annual event for many. Friends and family will gather around the flat screen across the Sunflower State Feb. 5 in a midwinter tradition known as Super Bowl Sunday.
While sharing the latest cheese dip or hearty bowls of chili, many also may be more inclined to drink and drive. This is why the Kansas Department of Transportation is urging Kansans to plan ahead to avoid driving impaired. KDOT Traffic Safety Spokesperson Chris Bortz is encouraging everyone to be proactive.
“We all play a part in eliminating drunk driving,” Bortz said. “Make the right play and pass your keys to a sober designated driver so you can get home safely.”
Col. Ernest E. Garcia, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, added that Kansans can set the right example.
“Watching the Super Bowl together is a great tradition in cities and towns across our state and the nation,” Garcia said. “We owe it to each other to keep the day fun and safe. Don’t ruin your Super Sunday with a DUI arrest or a crash and possibly a trip to the hospital.”
In addition to encouraging partygoers to designate a driver or to make other game-day travel plans, Bortz said party hosts should take steps to make sure their guests don’t remember the party for all the wrong reasons. KDOT offers these tips:
- Show all your guests that you care for their safety by offering their designated drivers the best seat to watch the game, front-of-the-line buffet privileges or a special party gift.
- Before kickoff, arrange ride-sharing for guests without a designated driver.
- Have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages on hand, and serve plenty of food.
- Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
- Just like at NFL stadiums, signal “last call” and stop serving alcoholic beverages at a predetermined time, such as the beginning of the third quarter.
- Keep local cab phone numbers by your phone, or save them in your cell phone for quick, one-touch convenience.
- Be prepared to invite guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.
- Always buckle up. It’s the best defense on the road.
“A sober designated driver is just smart thinking and a smart move for all football fans who want to enjoy the big game together,” Bortz said.
It’s an annual event for many. Friends and family will gather around the flat screen across the Sunflower State Feb. 5 in a midwinter tradition known as Super Bowl Sunday.
While sharing the latest cheese dip or hearty bowls of chili, many also may be more inclined to drink and drive. This is why the Kansas Department of Transportation is urging Kansans to plan ahead to avoid driving impaired. KDOT Traffic Safety Spokesperson Chris Bortz is encouraging everyone to be proactive.
“We all play a part in eliminating drunk driving,” Bortz said. “Make the right play and pass your keys to a sober designated driver so you can get home safely.”
Col. Ernest E. Garcia, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, added that Kansans can set the right example.
“Watching the Super Bowl together is a great tradition in cities and towns across our state and the nation,” Garcia said. “We owe it to each other to keep the day fun and safe. Don’t ruin your Super Sunday with a DUI arrest or a crash and possibly a trip to the hospital.”
In addition to encouraging partygoers to designate a driver or to make other game-day travel plans, Bortz said party hosts should take steps to make sure their guests don’t remember the party for all the wrong reasons. KDOT offers these tips:
- Show all your guests that you care for their safety by offering their designated drivers the best seat to watch the game, front-of-the-line buffet privileges or a special party gift.
- Before kickoff, arrange ride-sharing for guests without a designated driver.
- Have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages on hand, and serve plenty of food.
- Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
- Just like at NFL stadiums, signal “last call” and stop serving alcoholic beverages at a predetermined time, such as the beginning of the third quarter.
- Keep local cab phone numbers by your phone, or save them in your cell phone for quick, one-touch convenience.
- Be prepared to invite guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.
- Always buckle up. It’s the best defense on the road.
“A sober designated driver is just smart thinking and a smart move for all football fans who want to enjoy the big game together,” Bortz said.
