As Super Bowl fans gear up for a day of touchdowns and celebrations, the Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is issuing a serious reminder for game day—drive sober or get pulled over. With Super Bowl LIX set for tomorrow, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of road safety during what is often a booze-heavy event. "Super Bowl is a special day each year for our community to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads," said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section Program Manager, in a statement obtained by Nixle.
The call to action comes amid a troubling rise in traffic fatalities—six since the beginning of the year. As of last Sunday, 82 individuals have been arrested for DUI on Hawai‘i Island’s roads, highlighting an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. Police are not just issuing warnings; they are stepping up traffic enforcement to ensure everyone gets home safely after the final whistle. The message is clear: if you're drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, have a game plan that includes a sober ride home.
Hosting a Super Bowl bash comes with responsibilities too. Along with the dips and chips, hosts should lay out non-alcoholic options for those abstaining—from booze or just pacing themselves—as well as for the designated drivers entrusted to steer friends and family away from harm's way. "If you're hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers," Keltner underscored, reiterating the importance of on-the-ground allies in this fight for safety. The police also served a reminder that serving alcohol to minors isn't just a bad idea; it's a liability that can land the provider in legal hot water, especially if tragedy strikes and an underage, impaired driver causes harm.
As for those carrying the title of designated driver, their role on Super Bowl Sunday is invaluable. Without the fanfare or the halftime show spotlight, these unsung heroes keep the roads safe—one sober drive at a time. “If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the day’s MVP,” expressed the importance of this role, as cited by Nixle. It’s not about skipping the fun—enjoy the food and the vibrancy of shared company, but understand that the real victory is ensuring everyone’s safety on your watch.
