The most important drive this Super Bowl weekend will be a sober drive for anyone getting behind the wheel. However, the latest statistics indicate this winning message may be falling on deaf ears.

The recently released results of an annual survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found a 24% increase in the number of drivers who admitted getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit.

“With this disturbing statistic in mind, AAA joins our traffic safety partners nationwide in reminding everyone planning to gather for the big game that ‘fans don’t let fans drive drunk,’” says Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Anyone planning to drink during the game should make it part of their game plan to designate a driver or arrange for a ride-share in advance.”

With an increasing number of states, including New Jersey, having legalized the use of recreational cannabis,the reminder to designate a sober driver extends to anyone who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Sobering statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

1. In the first nine months of 2022, New Jersey saw an increase of over 10.5% in fatal crashes, as compared to an overall decrease in fatal crashes nationwide.
2. On average, 20% of all fatal crashes nationwide involve alcohol.
3. Besides the life-threatening risks, driving under the influence can be costly. The average DUI court case costs $10,000.

If motorists see a driver on the road who appears to be impaired, they should ask their passenger to call 911 or pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and make that call themselves.

Tips for a Safe Big Game Party

Be a responsible partygoer:

• If you plan to drive, don’t drink.
• If you plan to drink, select a designated driver and give them your car keys.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home or call a cab or a rideshare service.
• Buckle up – it’s your best defense against other impaired drivers.

Be a responsible host:

• Serve food and provide non-alcoholic beverages. Visit AAA Mocktails for cocktail recipes without the alcohol.
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ridesharing with other sober drivers.
• Avoid holding an open bar and mix your guests’ drinks yourself.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.