THP increasing patrols for Super Bowl weekend

JACKSON, Tenn. — Law enforcement is teaming up this weekend to keep drivers safe on Super Bowl Sunday.

Across the state last year, six Tennesseans lost their lives, five due to drunken driving on game day, and 125 DUI arrests were made.

“We have extra enforcement efforts because we know your chances of encountering a drunk driver are greater, just the fact that it’s a holiday weekend and you throw in the fact that it’s Super Bowl Sunday, so we are out there. We’re looking,” Lt. Brad Wilbanks with the THP said.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office is encouraging Tennesseans to share the sober drive plans on Twitter and Facebook by using the #TNSoberSB50. They believe it’s one thing to hear it from their office but another to talk to your friends about safe driving.

“Maybe somebody will get an idea that they didn’t think of but let us know what you are doing, and it’s kind of like communicating amongst yourselves and policing yourselves a little bit,” Lt. Wilbanks said.

While many attend Super Bowl parties in homes, Buffalo Wild Wings manager Jeff Acred said they expect more than 1,000 people to watch the big game with them, and their team works together to protect their guests.

“We work in cooperation with our server staff, and like after you order your second tall beer for instance, they get a manager involved,” Acred said.

“Obviously we want people to watch the game. One of our native sons, Peyton Manning, will be quarterbacking one of the teams. But do it responsibly,” Lt. Wilbanks said.

For those hosting Super Bowl parties this weekend, the following are some reminders to help keep attendees safe:

• Ask all of your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance, or help them arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
• Encourage your drinking guests to pace themselves.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter — this is a good time to serve coffee and dessert.
• Sign up online for a ride-sharing service and keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from any guests who are thinking of driving after drinking.
• Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable.
• If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent or guardian can be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
• Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to or host a party where alcohol is available to those under age 21 could face jail time.