Police to increase Super Bowl DUI enforcement

When friends and families gather Sunday evening to watch the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots play in the Super Bowl, local police agencies will have extra officers on patrol to combat drunk driving after the festivities.

Culpeper Police Department and Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office plan to conduct grant-funded drunk driving enforcement with extra officers on patrol Friday through Monday.

“We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking that driving drunk will penalize your Super Bowl plans,” said Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins. “Please act responsibly, designate a sober driver before the Super Bowl or other game parties begin and leave your car keys at home.”

CCSO is also issuing the warning.

“I want to stress to every driver that deputies will issue DUI charges and will stop impaired drivers,” said Culpeper Sheriff Scott Jenkins. “We are looking for impaired drivers and we will hold them accountable for their poor choices; no one is exempt.”

Jenkins reminds drivers that not only is it illegal to drive while intoxicated but also that it is also illegal to refuse a blood or breathalyzer test to determine blood alcohol levels.

“Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list,” said Cpt. Ricky Pinksaw.  “It’s just one of several easy steps to help save lives.”

 The National Highway Traffic Safety administration offers the following tips.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

 Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers

Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party

» Give them a great spot to watch the game

» Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full

» Let them have the first pass at the buffet table

» Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home

Serve plenty of food

Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water

Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks

Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age

 If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

 Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink

Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant

» Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out

» Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas

»  Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full

» Pick up the tab for their food and drink

Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself — eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.

Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired.

Always buckle up — it’s your best defense on the road.

“Toss the keys to a designated driver, before tossing down drinks,” said Chief Jenkins. “Enjoy the game, root for your favorite team, but enjoy a safe ride home as well.”