Super Bowl party safety

February 1st, 2012 - Daniel Barron

The NFL, NHTSA and TEAM Coalition have given out some tips for Super Bowl party hosts and attendees, including ways to reward designated drivers during the game.

Super Bowl party safetyDesignated drivers a must

With Super Bowl XLVI fast approaching, the National Football League, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition have teamed up to offer tips to help keep impaired drivers off the road after the big game.

The most important thing you’ll need if you’re attending a Super Bowl party where you plan on consuming alcohol is a designated driver. This person should be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and should agree to not drink alcohol before or during the game. They should also be well rested and prepared to drive any distance required to get their impaired passengers home.

The NFL, NHTSA and TEAM Coalition have given out some tips for Super Bowl party hosts and attendees, including ways to reward designated drivers during the game.

For Super Bowl party hosts:

  • Make sure all guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
  • Find unique ways to reward the designated drivers at your party:
  • Give them a great spot to watch the game.
  • Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
  • Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.
  • Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home.
  • Serve plenty of food.
  • Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water.
  • Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks.
  • Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
  • Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
  • Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.
  • Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.

For Super Bowl party attendees at a bar or restaurant:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant:
  • Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out.
  • Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas.
  • Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
  • Pick up the tab for their food and drink.
  • Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone.
  • Always buckle up – it’s your best defense on the road.

Follow us on twitter!

3 comments

  1. angie says:

    WORST HALFTIME EVER….WHAT A JOKE…KAROKE OR WHAT…LOL

  2. Tom Brady says:

    They actually pay you to submit an article like this? … “leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink” Who thanks for that bit of wisdom Captain Obvious

  3. @ Tom Brady – “Captain Obvious”? How did you know my nickname?? Also, methinks someone is angry and upset they just lost the Super Bowl.

Leave a comment