News

ENJOY THE GAME, REFRAIN FROM DRINKING AND DRIVING

    SOMERVILLE, N.J. - As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events, the Super Bowl brings together families, friends and fans each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. In many instances, fans will gather to watch the game at sports bars, restaurants or Super Bowl-themed parties. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police in conjunction with the Somerset County Traffic Safety Alliance hope everyone enjoys the game and urge motorists to refrain from drinking and driving.

Prosecutor Soriano states, “Like both teams in the Super Bowl, we all should have a game plan in place and be prepared to execute same with precision.  If alcohol consumption will be a part of your game day, use a designated driver or arrange for transportation by taxi.  This way, a winning result can be assured, and the pitfalls and harms of drinking and driving can be avoided.”

Officials have the following tips on how to enjoy the big game responsibly:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.

• Consider using a taxi cab or car service, ask a sober family member or friend to come and get you, or spend the night where you are.

• Report impaired drivers in New Jersey by dialing #77. You’ll be asked to provide the location and a brief description of the vehicle.

• If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.

   

  If you’re hosting a party:

   

• Make sure there’s ample food and non-alcoholic beverages available.

• Stop serving alcohol at the beginning of the third quarter of the game. Instead, offer guests coffee and dessert.

• Be sure that all guests have designated their drivers in advance, or help to arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.

• Have the phone number of a local cab company available, and always take the keys away from anyone who may be thinking of driving after drinking.

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

   

  “Drunk driving is always preventable. It is a dangerous behavior that could result in you seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. Motorists in Somerset County can expect to see Police Agencies throughout being ever vigilant to the detection and apprehension of anyone who makes the decision to drink and drive,” said Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police President William Parenti.