Motorists and Pedestrians Asked to Stay Safe and Sober on New Jersey Roads During Upcoming “Super Bowl” Weekend

TRENTON — Highway traffic safety and State Police officials are reminding motorists to stay safe and sober behind the wheel, as they head out to Super Bowl parties and celebrations this weekend.
According to Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer, under no circumstances should an individual drive if they have been drinking alcohol.
“Many fans will be attending parties at friends’ homes, bars and local restaurants,” Fischer said. “If your Super Bowl celebration includes alcohol, plan ahead and make sure you have a designated driver. Just taking that simple action will ensure you won’t be putting your life, or the lives of other motorists, in danger.”
Officials also noted that those individuals walking to and from a local Super Bowl celebration should exercise caution.
In 2008, 594 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes in New Jersey, and 137 of those killed were pedestrians. Last year on Super Bowl Sunday, a total of three individuals, including two pedestrians, lost their lives in traffic crashes. So far this year, 19 of the 44 fatalities occurring through January 27 involved pedestrians.
“While we are encouraged by the great reduction in New Jersey traffic fatalities in the past two years, we cannot rest on our laurels,” said Lieutenant Colonel Juan Mattos of the New Jersey State Police. “We will be pushing hard this year to drive down the unacceptable numbers of pedestrian and bicycle rider deaths through education and enforcement campaigns.”
“Motorists must be alert to pedestrians throughout the year, and in particular on nights when celebrations are taking place and people may be drinking alcohol,” Director Fischer added. “If you’re intoxicated, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.”
For individuals planning on attending a Super Bowl party:
* Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys. Motorists are asked throughout the year to subscribe to the pledge of the Ensign John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers: drive sober, be a designated driver and don’t let your friends drive drunk. Under the effort, local businesses and community groups, law enforcement agencies, and schools work together to keep drunk drivers off the road. Started in New Jersey by the Elliott family following the tragic death of their son, John, in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, the campaign has become a national model for preventing drunk driving.
* Consider using a taxi cab or car service, or 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.
* Buckle-up, every ride.
For individuals hosting a Super Bowl 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.
Additional information on drunk driving enforcement and pedestrian safety, as well as general traffic safety information, is available on the Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s web site, at www.njsaferoads.com