For Super Bowl XLV, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in conjunction with the NFL, Mothers Against Drunk Driving , and the HERO Campaign are sponsoring the Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign.
Our Knoxville personal injury attorneys are football fans like anyone else, but also know Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days of the year when it comes to the risk for Tennessee drunk driving accidents.
Hosting or attending a Super Bowl party can be the highlight of the NFL season, as long as you drink and drive responsibly.
“Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said. “Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
Drivers are considered over the legal limit when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 10,839 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes in 2009.
This equated to 32% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. During this time, 67% of fatalities in alcohol-related crashes were drivers with BAC of .08 or higher. There were a total of 989 traffic fatalities in the state of Tennessee in 2009; 35% of these fatalities occurred when at least one driver tested positive with a BAC of .01 or higher.
There were 198 fatalities in Tennessee when the BAC was tested at .15 or higher.
Nationally, alcohol-impaired fatal crashes were four-times higher at night than during the day in 2009.
Playing host to a Super Bowl Party can play a key role in getting drivers home safely after the game.
-Serve plenty of food and snacks throughout the game.
-Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, or water available.
-Have extra beds ready in case anyone needs to sleepover after drinking too much.
-Pick a point in the game in which you will stop providing alcohol to your guests and start offering coffee and dessert.
-Designate to drive so you and you friends can enjoy the game.
If you have been injured in a Tennessee drunk driving accident, contact Hartsoe Law Firm for experienced advice. For a free and confidential appointment call toll free at 1-877-472-5657. Offices in Knoxville and Maryville.