Submitted by Aiken Jacobsen on
This Sunday football fans all over California will be finding a way to celebrate while watching the Super Bowl. Even though our state has no representation in the big game, fans will nonetheless be tuning in to watch with friends and family.
Super Bowl Sunday parties provide a lot of fun every year, but the fun comes at a price. Every year police see a spike in drunk-driving car accidents following the Super Bowl. Therefore, the California Highway Patrol will be stepping up enforcement this weekend all over the state.
It is important to remember that every driver is at a higher risk of a car accident this weekend, even the ones who stay sober. Because there are typically more drunk drivers on the road on Super Bowl Sunday, it is best to avoid driving if you can. If you must drive, make sure to be especially alert to the behavior of other drivers.
Thousands of people will be gathering in homes and bars to watch the game this weekend. In both cases, there will definitely be drinking. If you are hosting a party this weekend, make sure that you monitor the sobriety of your guests carefully.
Many people don't realize it, but hosts can be held responsible if one of their guests leaves the party drunk and then causes a drunk-driving car accident. If you let your guests drive drunk, you can be sued for damages under California's social host liabilitylaws.
If hosting a party with alcohol this weekend, make sure to provide food to your guests as well as non-alcoholic drinks. No matter where you watch the game, make sure that neither you nor your friends get behind the wheel after drinking. Finally, arrange designated drivers ahead of time so that everyone gets home safely.
Super Bowl weekend can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Planning ahead and making smart calls will ensure a winning weekend.
Source: ridgecrestca.com, "Police to conduct DUI patrol," John V. Ciani, 02 February 2011
