SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – With excitement and expectations running high for the Super Bowl on
February 2, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone their game
plan for the day should include getting home safely.
Whether
people are attending parties or hanging out in a bar, planning for a safe ride
home will be their best defensive move.
Option plays include calling a cab or ride-sharing service, using public
transportation, or lining up a designated driver in advance. Those who host parties should take care of the
most valuable player, the designated driver, with plenty of non-alcoholic
beverages.
“Driving
impaired is completely preventable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Lives are on the line. Not only are innocent people at risk,
impaired drivers stand to lose money, their freedom, their license, and their
vehicle.”
Alcohol is
not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the
influence (DUI). Cannabis, prescription
drugs, and illegal drugs all can impair driving. Driving is a complex task, and any drug can
slow reaction time.
The CHP
will have a full team of officers ready to intercept dangerous drivers. In addition to stopping impaired drivers, they
will be watching for seat belt usage, speeding, and distracted driving.
Three
people died in alcohol-involved collisions in California on Super Bowl Sunday
in 2019. Another 140 people were
injured, preliminary CHP data shows. The
CHP made 187 DUI arrests that day.
The public
can help keep California roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect an
impaired driver. Callers should be
prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number, and
direction of travel.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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