Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and that means there will be celebrations of all kinds: parties, tailgating, gatherings at sports bars as well as family and friends getting together to cheer on their favorite team. However, keeping safety in mind is super important when the game is over, the celebrating is done and it’s time to head home.

A key play that Super Bowl fans need to call is, “Designate a Sober Driver”.

“We all know that only one team will win the Super Bowl, but everyone wins if you make the responsible decision to have a designated driver”, says Lauren Stewart, Highway Safety Director, in a news release.

“If you can plan ahead for the festivities, you can plan ahead for a ride home”, says Specialist Seth Allen of The Maine State Police. “Too many times I have seen the aftermath of someone that did not make a plan to get home safely and ruined their life or the life of another”.

During Super Bowl Sunday, the Bureau of Highway Safety would like to make the following suggestions to football enthusiasts, so they can celebrate responsibly:

Prepare for a safe party:

• Everyone knows it is illegal to drive impaired, so before you head out to a Super Bowl gathering, make a solid game plan. Make sure you have designated a sober driver on your “team” – someone who will not be drinking during the festivities and will make sure you get home safe.

• If you find out that your designated driver committed a “foul” during the big game, call for a sober ride (public transportation, taxi, Uber, a family member, or friend) or stay put.

• If you host a Super Bowl party, ask your guests if they have a designated driver.

• If you’re the host, consider serving a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

• Encourage guests to pace themselves, drink plenty of water and eat food.

Designated drivers

• If you are chosen to be a designated driver, then you are the “Quarterback”! So, take your role seriously as your teammates are depending on you. When you get your whole team safely back home after the game, you will be the night’s MVP!

• If someone that is attending your gathering has been drinking and wants to drive, call a “foul”. Take their keys and help them secure a sober ride home. They will thank you later for helping them stay safe.

Know the “risky plays”!

• Impaired driving is a serious problem with very serious consequences. Don’t become a statistic after the game.

• Males are more likely than females to be driving impaired when fatal crashes occur.

• The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is about twice as high at night than during the daytime.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety would like for all fans to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday safely and responsibly. So be a true team player and remember: “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk”!