Before the touchdowns begin, AAA Northeast is urging football fans to huddle up and discuss a plan for getting home safely after the biggest game of the season.
The hours following the big game become increasingly dangerous nationwide as traffic crashes, and the number of drunk drivers, typically spike. In 2023, nearly 41% of all fatal crashes on the Sunday of the big game involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“This Sunday, don’t get sidelined with a DUI,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the road at risk. It’s critical to plan ahead and designate a sober driver — because it could save a life.”
AAA offers the following tips to keep fans safe:
- Plan your ride home before you have even one drink; consider designating a sober family member or friend, taking a taxi or rideshare service or using public transit.
- Offer non-alcoholic drink options for your guests, especially for designated drivers.
- Designate yourself as the sober driver and take that role seriously.
- Take away the keys from any family member or friend who is impaired and attempting to drive and help them get a sober ride home.
- Call 911 immediately if you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
