The time is near for the annual National Football League Championship game, and law enforcement officers – even the non-football fans – are gearing up for what may be a busy and dangerous weekend. That’s because Super Bowl Sunday has earned a reputation as not only one of the biggest sporting events of the year, but also one of the biggest drunk driving days of the year.
The NFL Championship has long seen a corresponding spike in alcohol-related incidents, chief among them drunk driving. Statistics from the Auto Club of Southern California and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) speak for themselves:
- Drunk driving crashes often double during Super Bowl Sunday compared to other Sundays during January and February.
- The Los Angeles area sees a nearly 60% spike in alcohol-related traffic collisions. San Diego sees more 117% more crashes.
- Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 294 injury and death accidents occurred on Super Bowl Sundays in California statewide.
In light of these alarming numbers, safety officials and law enforcement officers are urging motorists to not drive drunk. To help ensure this is the case, authorities are announcing a number of high visibility efforts – including saturation patrols and checkpoints – during Super Bowl Sunday. These will often take place in areas known for drinking and driving, including roads and highways popular bars and restaurants, and will increase following the end of the game. These efforts will be made throughout the country, and across Orange County.
If you plan to drink during the Super Bowl or are planning a Super Bowl party, make sure you drink responsibly, plan a ride, or ensure that your guests are staying safe. During periods of increased DUI enforcement, especially during notable events like the Super Bowl, your chances of being arrested and charged increase.
At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., we hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and fun Super Bowl. Should you find yourself facing charges for DUI or another related offense anywhere in Orange County, our legal team is available to help protect your rights! Visit www.duiqueen.com or call 877-384-7833 for a FREE consultation.
