The La Porte Police Department, in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), would like to remind all Indiana motorists to celebrate this year’s Super Bowl responsibly, by driving sober and safe.
“No matter your favorite team, Super Bowl is a time of increased celebration and fun,” said Capt. Pat Hemphill. “However, to celebrate right means to celebrate responsibly. We want to remind motorists during Super Bowl weekend to think before you drink. Not only is your life and those of others on the road worth protecting, but if you drive impaired, chances are you will be pulled over.”
During the 2016 Super Bowl weekend (6:00 p.m. February 5 through 5:59 a.m. February 8), there were 467 traffic collisions in Indiana. Of those, 30 were alcohol-related, with 27 percent involving a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. In total, there were 13 injuries and 0 deaths as a result of alcohol-related accidents. Over the 2015 Super Bowl Weekend, this is a 37 percent decrease in traffic collisions, a 33 percent decrease in alcohol-related collisions, a 70 percent decrease in alcohol-related collisions involving a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or greater, and a 7 percent decrease in resulting injuries.
“While a decrease in nearly every measurable category is room for celebration, even one collision or one life injured from such a preventable cause as impaired driving, is one too many,” said Council Chair, Todd Meyer. “Sober driving is the only way to drive, so this Super Bowl let’s continue to work together to keep every motorist safe.”
The La Porte Police Department, the Governor’s Council, and ICJI would like to remind motorists that accidents and deaths resulting from impaired driving can be prevented with the following precautions:
- Before the celebration begins, plan a safe way home
- Do not drive impaired
- If you do drink, use a taxi, public transportation, ridesharing service or designate a sober friend or family member, and give them your keys
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely
To learn more about La Porte Police Department please visit: www.cityoflaporte.com/137/Police . For more information on Indiana’s efforts on impaired driving prevention and enforcement, please visit: http://www.in.gov/cji/2354.htm .