Super Bowl Sunday Roadway Dangers

PALM DESERT -They just seem to go together – the Super Bowl, pizza and beer, but there is less focus put on the possible aftermath – D.U.I., accidents and death.

“After the game everyone is out enjoying the victory,” says Kevin McNally CAL Fire Public Information Officer. “Traffic increases, more drivers and more vehicles mean more dangers.”

Here in California, last Super Bowl Sunday 11 people were killed and another 133 were injured in drunk driving accidents. The death toll on that day alone was 3 times the amount of an average day. This increase is something emergency crews expect.

“Our call volume picks up substantially as a result of Super Bowl Sunday,” says McNally.

“In addition to the obvious dangers of letting friends drive drunk, party hosts could face some negative consequences, too. If you have a party and some who was drinking there later gets into an accident you could be held liable.

“Remember the big point is, we are taking care of each other and watching out for each other,” says McNally.

Everyone needs to be on the lookout. Often, the people who are killed or injured in alcohol related accidents are innocent drivers or passengers who are hit by drunk drivers.

“We want to watch the habits of other drivers,” says McNally. “Drive defensively. Look out for drivers that are crossing into your lane and take extra time at stop lights before entering the intersection.”

A safe end to a fun night, is simple – be smart.

“Be careful, drive defensively and don’t drive and drive,” says McNally.