The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission released a press statement in regard to the recent Super Bowl. Though the release covers only the recent Super Bowl the guidelines listed in the article are applicable to all sporting events. Keep this in mind as we approach March Madness and the Final Four which will be in New Orleans this year. Of course, keep these guidleines in mind as football season once again returns in August of 2012.
Following are excerpts from the release:
Many Louisiana sports fans like to combine partying with watching their favorite football teams compete, and the annual Super Bowl extravaganza featuring the Giants and the Patriots this Sunday is no exception. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds fans who plan to drink alcohol while watching the game at a party, restaurant or bar to make sure they have a non-drinking designated driver to take them home.
“Celebrations that accompany special events such as holidays and the Super Bowl often include alcohol, which can result in more impaired drivers on our state’s roads,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “Driving while impaired is a serious offense in Louisiana and greatly increases the chance of being involved in a fatal or injury crash.”
Using the theme, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk, the Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are spreading the word concerning Super Bowl safety. The two organizations offer the following Super Bowl safety tips:
If you are attending a Super Bowl party:
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too rapidly. Pace yourself–eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your keys at home if you plan to drink.
- Always remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let friends leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
- If you have been drinking, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with others who are not drinking.
- Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies handy, and remove the keys from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
- Serve lots of food and be sure to include non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, juice and water.
- Quit serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee or dessert.
Super Bowl partygoers should also keep in mind that Louisiana law requires all vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt whether they are in the front or back seat. A fastened seat belt is one of the best defenses a motorist can have if involved in a crash.”
If you are ticketed or arrested for DWI or other traffic or alcohol related offenses call the offices of Harmon, Smith and Vourvoulias at 504.680.4303 or 504.680.4319 or any of the numbers listed on our website.
