Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: 01/31/18

CONTACT: Sergeant John Villanti
805-594-8066
[email protected]

Don’t Fumble: Tackle Impaired Driving Before the Clock Starts

Kickoff on America’s favorite past time is just about ready to start. For many football fans, when it’s time for Super Bowl LII, everyone’s a fan…and Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. The California Office of Traffic Safety, Police, Sheriff and the CHP are huddling up for a special designated driver reminder to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue.

San Luis Obispo Police Department will deploy additional officers Super Bowl Sunday to work special DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during and following the game.

Impaired driving near or above the .08 BAC limit can be deadly, and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement to make driving unsafe. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers nationwide. California recorded 1,059 DUI deaths at .08 BAC or above according to the NHTSA.

San Luis Obispo Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Drug-impaired driving is a problem on California roadways. Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous and illegal. Whether the drug is legally prescribed, an illicit drug or marijuana, driving while drug impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other motorists, and driving high can lead to a DUI.

“Be sure to have a game plan for the night so friends and family know who the designated driver is,” said Sergeant John Villanti, San Luis Obispo Police Department. “We want to encourage folks to turn over their keys to a sober driver before the game begins. Impaired driving can result in serious crashes, injuries or death. If you don’t have an ‘MVP’ to make sure folks get home safely, consider other ride options.”

There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The OTS DDVIP app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The app offers enhanced features, allowing users to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Additionally, the app users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb.

This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Don’t fumble! Designate your sober driver before the big game begins. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911’!