Tennessee Department of Transportation Working to Reduce Risks of Knoxville Drunk Driving Car Accidents Over Super Bowl Weekend

“Real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” is the message to remember this Super Bowl Sunday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Safety and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) are all pushing that message during Super Bowl XLVI. It’s the second most dangerous day to be on our roadways. It ranked in at second place, just behind New Year’s Eve for having the most fatal car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere. Prepare to cheer on your favorite team Sunday and prepare yourself to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

“This Super Bowl Sunday, we want to see zero alcohol-related fatalities in Tennessee, so you will see more troopers in more places looking for people who break the law. Make sure you come out a winner this Super Bowl weekend. Designate a sober driver or take a cab home if you’ve had too much to drink,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.

Our Knoxville drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that officers across the state will be out in full force in search of drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving car accidents are completely preventable, and we’re asking all residents to huddle up with family members and friends to come up with a game plan to keep everyone safe on our roadways on Sunday. Kickoff between the Giants and the Patriots is at 6:30 p.m. and residents are urged to have their rides situated before then. Make sure you have a designated driver or a safe place to stay if you’ll be drinking during the game.

In 2006, troopers made roughly 25 arrests for driving under the influence over the Super Bowl weekend. During this time, there were nearly 10 fatal accidents. One was alcohol-related. That number was down from the statistics from the previous year’s Super Bowl weekend. We’re hoping that these numbers can be brought down even lower.

Getting a ride home from a sober friend is always a winning play. There nothing safer than catching a ride with someone who is sober. It’s important to keep an eye on your loved ones, too. Make sure everyone you know is taking care of themselves on Super Bowl Sunday. Tips for Going Out on Super Bowl Sunday:

-Most importantly, fans who will be drinking should find a designated driver before the game begins.

-Make sure your designated agrees to drink only non-alcoholic drinks.

-Drink in moderation over time. Drinking too much in too short of a time can make you sick and ruin your game day.

-Always wear your seat belt.

-Keep phone numbers to cab companies with you in case you or a friend is need of a safe ride.

-Eat plenty of food along with your alcohol consumption.

According to the Designated Driver poll from 2005, about 70 percent of drivers have either been a designated driver for someone or have ridden home with a designated driver. This means that nearly 150 million people know how to party responsibly. Let’s make this year’s stats reach 100 percent. Enjoy the game!

If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a Knoxville drunk driving car accident, contact Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C. for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights with our Knoxville injury lawyers. Call (865) 804-1011. More Blog Entries: New Statistics Reveal More Car Accidents in Tennessee than Last Year, Tennessee Injury Attorney Blog, December 18, 2011 Knoxville Drunk Driving Accidents Illustrate Risks to Cyclists, Motorists, Tennessee Injury Attorney Blog, July 20, 2011