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Rise In Drunk Driving-Related Incidents After Super Bowl Sunday
You may just want to stay home after reading this new data analysis on how dangerous it can be to drive home after the Super Bowl on Sunday.
In San Diego County alone, after the Super Bowl, drivers are presented with a 117% higher risk of fatalities and injury crashes related to alcohol. This is in accordance with an analysis by the Auto Club of data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In Los Angeles, there is a 57% higher risk.
Through statistics, there are typically 18 fatal or injury accidents on a typical Sunday, but during Super Bowl Sunday, this number jumps to 40. The California Department of Insurance and the CHP have both released statements advising those leaving their homes for this event to plan ahead and ensure they have a sober ride home.
Super Bowl Sunday Ranks As One Of The Biggest Sporting Events In The U.S., But It Is Also One Of The Most Dangerous.
Each person is responsible, and we all should be sure not to contribute to this problem by stopping drivers who are drunk or drugged from driving on this Super Bowl Sunday.
Researchers believed that while the game was on, drivers were likely consuming a substantial amount of alcohol. Drivers feeling fatigued due to the late hour, disappointment, and distractions for drivers whose team may have lost, could all factor into the rise in car accidents. Even in fans who were not drinking for the game, they may still pose a risk to both themselves and others, as they may be driving distracted.
The worst time was the first hour that immediately followed the event, as the accident rate jumped as high as 70%. A 10% drop in the accident rate occurs during the game itself; this is likely due to fewer people driving at this time.
The Rate Increase For Car And Truck Accidents After The Super Bowl Is Comparable To New Year’s Eve For The United States.
BACtrack, a smartphone-enabled breathalyzer, monitored blood alcohol content, or BAC, for major holidays. For Super Bowl Sunday, the average BAC was 0.91 percent. Other holidays to compare are:
- New Year’s Eve — 0.94%
- St. Patrick’s Day — 0.94%
- Cinco de Mayo — 0.9%
- Valentine’s Day — 0.92%
The Percentage Of BAC That Is The Legal Limit Is 0.08%, But There Can Be Impairment Signs Seen At Levels Even Lower Than This.
The New England Journal of Medicine notes that a significant number of car accidents and surges in rate occur in the states of the home team that lost. The numbers increase by 68% after the event ends in these states, compared to only a 6% rise in the winning team’s state.
- In states that are neutral, meaning that no team is based in this state, the accidents climb, on average, by 46%.
- From 2009 to 2013, there were 294 injuries and victims of fatal car crashes on Super Bowl Sundays, compared to 166 on a comparable Sunday without any event.
- There is a designated sober driver campaign for the Super Bowl by the NHTSA.
- There will also be a Tipsy Tow service offered by the Southern California Auto Club, which will be free of charge, starting from 6 p.m. on Sunday through 6 a.m. on Monday morning.
- Up to 7 miles will be free of charge with this service. To receive this free tow, drivers can call 1-800-400-4AAA.
More Crashes Occur On Super Bowl Sunday Than On Other Sundays. According To The CHP, During The Past Five Years:
- In California, there were 294 fatal and injury crashes on Super Bowl Sundays versus 166 on the comparable other Sundays, or 26 extra per year.
- In Los Angeles County, there were 77 fatal and injury crashes on Super Bowl Sundays versus 49 on the comparable other Sundays.
- In San Diego County, there were 40 fatal and injury crashes on Super Bowl Sundays versus 18 on the comparable other Sundays.
Drivers who are in San Diego and sober are able to get deals and discounts at the local restaurants and bars by downloading the Designated Driver Application, or the DDVIP, from California’s Office of Traffic Safety.
It’s not really a surprise, considering Uber debuted in California back in 2012. Given the sponsored research conducted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which endorses their results, accidents have decreased in markets where Uber is available.
- Over 60 cases per month have declined in areas where Uber operates, when comparing the numbers to those of years prior.
- This study also found that the peak time for Uber use was during drinking hours at bars nationwide.
- Uber plans to donate a dollar to MADD for any passenger who enters the promo code “THINKANDRIDE” between 3 p.m. and midnight, Eastern Time.
- Drivers should definitely be more attentive on holidays like this and avoid driving unnecessarily. Trauma centers should also be prepared and staffed accordingly.
- Be sure to plan ahead if you are heading out for the Super Bowl. Have a designated driver, call a cab, or use public transportation.
We Will All Win On Super Bowl Sunday If We Follow These Keys To The Game:
- Know the Rules — It’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t throw a yellow flag; they throw the book at you. You could get pulled over, arrested, and prosecuted. Furthermore, you may have to pay a significant fee, as facing a DUI can result in thousands of dollars in fines, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums.
- Play It Safe — Defenses win championships; your best defense is to plan a safe ride. From buses and trains to car services and designated drivers, connect with the option that will get you home safely. The NHTSA even has an app for that. SaferRide is available for Apple and Android devices and can connect you to a local cab company or a friend who can come pick you up. You can even tweet their names to @NHTSAgov to make them part of the NHTSA’s Wall of Fame. Use the hashtag #designateddriver.
- If You’ve Been Drinking, You’re Benched — Driving under the influence of alcohol, even if intoxicated only modestly, constitutes drunk driving. There is no permissible space for such behavior.
- Be a Party MVP — Volunteer to be a designated driver. Let your squad know that you’ll be there for them when they need you. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to ride the bench until you help them find a sober ride home. If you’re hosting the party, you’re the head coach. Make the right call: take their keys before they can drink and drive.
If you are injured due to an accident that is not your fault due to impaired driving, call our car accident lawyers at Arash Law. We can help you explore your legal rights and options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for more information or a free initial consultation now.
