Tips for Enjoying a Safe Super Bowl Sunday

Authorities in Southern California are getting ready for Super Bowl Sunday, which is of course a day when we like to enjoy the big football game with friends and family. It’s also a day when we see a number of traffic accidents, particularly those involving DUI drivers. So, several law enforcement agencies are coming out in full force, deploying their DUI task forces and doing checkpoints and saturation patrols to make sure drunk drivers are kept off our roadways.

Super Bowl Sunday Crash Statistics

On Super Bowl Sunday 2016, the California Highway Patrol made 360 DUI arrests statewide. Traffic accidents on that day left one person dead and 52 injured. According to the California Office of traffic Safety, alcohol-fueled crashes resulted in 1,155 fatalities in California in the year 2014. California law states that anyone with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent of higher is considered legally intoxicated. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Staying Safe on Super Bowl Sunday

There are several things you can do to ensure that you and your loved ones get home safe:

• If you plan to drink, do not drive. Select a designated driver and give them your car keys. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Wear your seatbelt. It’s your best defense against other impaired drivers.
• If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, offer food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Make sure all of your guests have designated drivers in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep numbers for local cab companies handy.
• Take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
• If you see anyone on the road who is driving erratically be sure to report them to the authorities.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver, remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Take photographs of the scene including position of the vehicles and your injuries. File a police report and mention details to the officer including whether the driver was operating erratically. Get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. Contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected.