Super Bowl weekend crackdown aimed at curbing accidents, injuries due to intoxicated drivers in St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County police agencies will participate in a statewide effort to crack down on impaired driving Feb. 5 through 8 to reduce the number of impaired-driving-related injuries and deaths.

St. Lawrence County law enforcement officials in concert with St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI program are urging football fans to call the play now: drinking or driving during Super Bowl Weekend, but not both.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2014 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in the United States -- 31 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities in the nation.

The numbers go even higher on weekends.

The funding for this Super Bowl weekend crackdown was provided by the New York State STOP- DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee via the NHTSA.

“Impaired driving is completely preventable,” said Michele James of the county STOP-DWI Program. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink/Drug or drive—but never do both. Violators can lose their licenses, pay increased insurance rates, may have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, and pay fines, surcharges and DMV fees. Refuse a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test and you can lose your license for a minimum of six months or possibly one year.”

You can help to make a difference by having a plan. Download the STOP-DWI mobile app, “Have A Plan,” at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp, and you will always be able to find a safe ride home. The app is available for Android devices on Google Play, and Apple devices at the iTunes store.

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant, James recommends:

• Designate your sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely before the party begins.

• If you don’t have a designated driver, then ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay for the night.

• Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party:

• Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance, or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure they get home safely.

• Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.

• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.