Have a Game Plan: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

Published on February 10, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – Super Bowl LVII is slated for kick-off on Sunday, February 12, 2023, and, for many, this celebratory evening includes alcohol. To keep everyone safe on the roads, the Arlington County Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

NHTSA’s Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages spectators to make plans ahead of game time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. According to data from NHTSA, in 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving-crashes throughout the year in the United States. That’s why we’re urging fans to choose their game plan now and ensure the roster includes a sober ride home – whether it’s by using a rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, or designated sober driver.

Don’t Drop the Ball on Safety

Whether you are attending a party or going to restaurant, make it your game plan to take a sober ride home and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use a ride service to get home safely.
• If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. No matter what, do not drink any alcohol — people are relying on you.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

For more information on the dangers of drunk driving, visit the NHTSA website.