Call the Right Play for Super Bowl; Pass the keys to a sober driver NA17040lp

Los Angeles: Millions of people across the country will watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 5, 2017. The Super Bowl has become an American tradition and for many watching the “big game” includes drinking alcoholic beverages. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are teaming up with law enforcement across the State of California for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign to urge Californians to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend and pass the keys to a sober driver before the drinking begins. During Super Bowl weekend, the LAPD will deploy additional officers at driving under the influence (DUI)/driver license checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment. The following are the planned enforcement details:

Thursday, February 2

DUI Saturation Patrol in Olympic Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M Friday, February 3, 2016 DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 7 P.M. to 12 A.M. on Imperial Highway at Main Street DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 7 P.M. to 12 A.M. on Manchester Avenue at Denver Avenue

Saturday, February 4, 2016

DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Lincoln Boulevard at Maxella Avenue

Sunday, February 5, 2016

DUI Saturation Patrol from 4 P.M. to 12 A.M. in Hollywood Area DUI Saturation Patrol from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M. in West Valley Area DUI Saturation Patrol from 6 P.M. to 2 A.M. in Central Bureau

As part of the Super Bowl Sunday enforcement efforts, municipal police departments, county sheriff departments and the California Highway Patrol will be on heightened alert ready to stop and arrest any impaired driver.

Impaired driving can be deadly. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, but even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times enough to make driving unsafe. Drugs such as many prescription medications, marijuana or illicit drugs can also lead to impairment and unsafe driving leading to a DUI.

“Fans that are impaired can secure a safe ride home by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare program,” said Lieutenant Jay Hom, Emergency Operations Division.

“Volunteer to be a designated driver to help your family and friends get home safely,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Impaired driving only leads to disaster and tragedy. It is never worth the risk. If you do plan to drink, and/or are taking medications or using marijuana, plan now to pass the keys to a sober driver before kickoff.”

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol and be aware of possible drug impairment. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. 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’ if you see a dangerous driver call immediately!