Have a ‘super’ Sunday by designating a sober driver

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 Resource Training Center in Amherst, provider of the Drinking Driver Program, wants to spread an important safety message about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday.

“Fans don’t let fans drive drunk,” said Monica Farrar, director of The Resource Training Center. “Before choosing to drink, choose a sober designated driver. Avoid the unsportsmanlike conduct of driving drunk by handing off your keys so that you, your passengers and everyone on our roads can safely arrive home. Drunk driving is always preventable.”

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant, please consider the following:

• Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, or call a cab, friend or family member to come get you. Or, if possible, stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
• Never let friends drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home, too.
• Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party: 

• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who might be thinking of driving drunk.
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

Located in the Harlem Road Community Center at 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst, The Resource Training Center offers a wide variety of services, including the New York State Drinking Driver Program for individuals convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related driving violation, and Alive at 25, a unique program that teaches young drivers to change how they approach driving through role playing, workbook exercises, interactive media segments and more.

For more information, please call 983-2258, email info@wnyresourcetraining.org or visit www.wnyresourcetraining.org. You can also follow The Resource Training Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Resource-Training-Center/112019195650348.