Super Bowl Sunday impacts safety on the roads by increasing the chance of car accidents, especially those involving drunk drivers. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest collective celebrations of the year, but it unfortunately brings a spike in unsafe driving behaviors.
National safety agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), warn that drunk and distracted driving increases around major sporting events, and the Super Bowl is one of the highest-risk days.
If you’re injured in a car accident this Super Bowl Sunday, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party responsible and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Super Bowl Sunday and Road Safety
Super Bowl Sunday is such a high-risk day for car accidents that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) runs an official campaign every year called Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk to remind people that drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal.
The campaign aims to shift behavior during Super Bowl week and on game day by emphasizing these essential tips:
- Plan your ride ahead of time: Before the party even starts, decide how you’ll get home, be it a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, or public transportation. Making a plan early keeps you from trying to figure things out after you’ve been drinking.
- If you’re the designated driver, stay alcohol–free: Being the driver means committing to zero alcohol for the night. Your role is to focus on getting everyone home safely.
- Look out for friends who have been drinking: If someone tries to drive after drinking, step in. Take their keys if needed and help them call a sober ride.
- Hosts should help guests get home safely: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, encourage guests to pace themselves, and double-check that no one who has been drinking is getting behind the wheel.
- Know the legal risks: Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is illegal nationwide. A DUI comes with serious consequences, including arrest, fines, license penalties, and long-term financial costs.
National Drunk Driving Statistics
Drunk driving accidents are always a risk when you’re on the road, whether it’s Super Bowl Sunday or any other day of the year. According to drunk driving data compiled by the NHTSA:
- Alcohol-impaired driving accounted for more than 12,400 traffic deaths in 2023, which is roughly one person killed every 42 minutes.
- About one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08 g/dL.
These national figures underscore why federal agencies like the NHTSA focus on major drinking occasions like the Super Bowl and how they can impact road safety.
How to Protect Yourself if You Have to Be on the Road During the Super Bowl
You cannot control other drivers, but you can reduce your risk by following these tips:
- Plan your route and timing: Make sure you are familiar with your route ahead of time, and avoid entertainment districts and bar-heavy areas later in the evening if you can.
- Give yourself more space: Leave extra space between you and other drivers, especially those in front of you, and go slower in busier, more traffic-heavy areas.
- Put your phone away: Get GPS setup before you leave, turn on Do Not Disturb, and don’t answer calls or texts until you are parked.
- Watch for signs of impaired driving: Swerving, wide turns, drifting, inconsistent speed, and delayed braking are common red flags that can indicate that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you see these signs, create space between yourself and that car and change lanes when it is safe to do so.
What to Do if You’re in a Crash on Super Bowl Sunday
If you’re hit by a drunk or distracted driver after the Super Bowl, the steps can keep you safe and help you build a stronger claim:
- Safety first: Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt or might be hurt. Even if you feel okay, you should still get checked out. Some injuries might not show up until hours or days later, and by that point, your treatment options might be more limited.
- Report the crash: Always ask for law enforcement to come to the scene. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence that can prove what happened and help you hold the at-fault driver responsible for their actions.
- Gather evidence: Take pictures of as much as you can, including any damage, skid marks, traffic signals, your injuries, and anything else that seems important, such as open containers or signs of alcohol.
- Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact info before they leave. After a big event like the Super Bowl, people tend to move on quickly, but having their information can help should you need eyewitnesses to back up your claim.
The impact that Super Bowl Sunday has on road safety does not have to ruin your life. If you are in an accident, follow the steps above and speak with a car accident lawyer. Having legal guidance can help you win a more favorable outcome after filing a claim or lawsuit against the drunk driver.
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Talk With Our Team if You Were Injured in a Car Accident on Super Bowl Sunday
John Foy & Associates is known as The Strong Arm™ because we stand up for injured people and work hard to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you were hurt in a car accident on Super Bowl Sunday, reach out to our team for a consultation. We take car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs.
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