CHP Warns Against Super Bowl Sunday Drunk Driving
Last Year, Booze-Related Road Fatalities Tripled on This Day
Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, is just around the corner, and the California Highway Patrol reminds Santa Barbara County residents to celebrate responsibly on the beloved drinking holiday.
According to a January 27 CHP press release, drunk driving during last year’s Super Bowl Sunday caused 12 deaths and 167 injuries in California alone. (A typical day in California sees only three such fatalities.) Also, 403 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence on Super Bowl Sunday last year. Consequently, the CHP is warning Californians that while drunk driving is never tolerated, it will be expected this Sunday. The CHP will be deploying special DUI patrols all across the state to help prevent alcohol-related deaths and injuries.
CHP officers are also urging motorists to report any drivers who appear to be drunk by calling 911 and giving a vehicle description and location. “We’re not discouraging the celebration,” explained CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in a written statement. “We’re asking fans to make the right call, so they won’t find themselves benched in a jail cell.”
