Law Enforcement officials the Maryland State Police – Leonardtown Barrack and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, DOD Police NAVAIR and DNR Police announced today they are joining forces with agencies across the State of Maryland to remind football fans that if you’re celebrating with alcohol, make the right decision before kickoff and designate a sober driver. This initiative includes the National Football League (NFL) and the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management Coalition (TEAM)
Last year, 235 people died as a result of impaired driving-related crashes in Maryland and more than 5,100 people were injured. Crashes involving an impaired driver cost the State more than $1.3 billion – deaths, injuries, and costs that could have been avoided if the impaired driver had made the responsible decision to not drive after they had been drinking.
Hitting closer to home, in St. Mary’s County last year alone 5 (30%) of the17 friends, family and loved ones who died in motor vehicle crashes were killed in impaired driving crashes. Although in 2006 the percentage rate of those who died in impaired driving crashes was lower than the national average, these crashes could have been prevented. Five, or 17 for that matter, may seem an insignificant number, but 1 is too many when it affects your family or friends.
“We’re reminding everyone this weekend that while it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a time to remember that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” said State Highway Administrator, Neil J. Pedersen. “If you plan on drinking – during the game or any other time – make sure you designate a sober driver. Designated drivers make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Maryland is also asking that all party hosts and bar owners take extra good care of designated drivers this year. For taking on such an important responsibility, many patrons are being rewarded with free sodas, complimentary food, and most of all, the recognition that their willingness to refrain from drinking means that lives will be saved on Maryland’s roads.
“We want everyone to make the right decision for Super Bowl,” said Lt. Brian Cedar, Maryland State Police. “Designating a sober driver should be an obvious call. Making sure designated drivers know how much we appreciate their responsible decision is what will make this year’s celebration extra special – and extra safe.”
Maryland law enforcement will be out in full force over the Super Bowl weekend to make sure that drivers are getting the message. During 2006, more than 24,000 people were arrested for DUI-related offenses and police hope that this year people get the message long before they ever get in the car and face a potential arrest.
“Besides the obvious fact that drunk driving leads to deaths on our roadways, many people don’t realize that an arrest for impaired driving can cost as much as $20,000 in legal fees, fines, and other costs,” said Sheriff Tim Cameron. “Your life, your freedom, and your money are at stake if you drive impaired and rest assured, you will be caught, you will be arrested, and you will go to jail.”
According to a 2005 Designated Driver poll completed by Data Development Corporation, 70% of the adult population have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one. That means 148 million Americans already know how to drink responsibly and prevent the needless tragedies that result from drunk driving. The message, “Fa