All the action may be on the field in Tampa, Fla., today as the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.
But local police will make sure no one in Snohomish County tries to make an end run on the roads. Extra patrols are planned today to catch drunken drivers.
If you attend a Super Bowl party and decide to drink, please don’t drive, officials urged.
“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said. “But getting in a collision is not the way to celebrate a major sporting event. Have a designated driver, a taxi, or call a friend.”
Parties on Super Bowl Sunday are notorious. The sports holiday is one of the deadliest days of the year when it comes to fatal crashes, statistics show.
In 2007, 67 people were killed nationwide on Super Bowl Sunday in traffic accidents caused by drunken drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
State troopers will crack down on anyone who is going too fast, driving aggressively or appears to be intoxicated, Batiste said.
In Snohomish County, an additional five troopers will be on patrol today, he said.
The best way to avoid problems is to pick a designated driver, hire a taxi or take public transportation, said Laura Dean-Mooney, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“We want to make sure fans aren’t throwing a Hail Mary when it come to getting home safely,” she said. “Plan ahead and designate a sober driver to ensure your team arrives home safe and sound.”
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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