Daniella Tebib
News Editor
Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, but it’s important to remember to practice safety during festivities.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teamed up to spread the “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign. With the campaign, they hope to urge football fans watching the Super Bowl to practice safe driving habits.
“We want everyone to have a good time watching and celebrating the Super Bowl,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “All we ask is that if you plan on drinking alcohol, make the right choice and plan for a designated driver before the party begins.”
Ryan Orr, Murray State Police Department Field Operations Captain, shared several safety tips to practice during Super Bowl celebrations.
“If you plan on consuming alcohol this Sunday, preplan on how to get back to your residence,” Orr said. “This could include a cab, friend or family member who have not consumed alcohol. If you do not have a way to return to your residence, if possible, stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. If you drive your vehicle to the event, give your keys to an individual you trust who has not consumed alcohol, know your limits and be attentive to how much alcohol you consume.”
According to the Murray State Crime and Fire Log, 26 incidents involving alcohol have been reported since January 2019. These incidents include driving under the influence of alcohol, public intoxication and underage drinking.
The KYTC reported preliminary numbers indicate 121 Kentuckians died in car crashes involving a drunk driver in 2019.
“These are not just numbers,” Gray said. “These are people—mothers, daughters, sons, fathers—who never made it home to their loved ones due to someone’s choice to drink and drive. Any number above zero is unacceptable.”
To help prevent drunk driving incidents, Murray State PD plans to increase its presence in the community.
“We do this to deter unsafe vehicle operation and prevent accidents that could result in the loss of life,” Orr said. “We also try to educate the Murray State community by providing alcohol education and safety programs. These programs help educate the individual on having a safe alternative to driving if they plan on consuming alcohol during these events.”
If drivers are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, Orr said the department will not take it easy on them.
“It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher,” Orr said. “When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t throw a yellow flag; they throw the book at you. You’ll get pulled over, arrested and prosecuted.”
If incidents do occur, Murray State PD can be reached at (270) 809-2222.
