Richland Public Health and the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition are joining state and local law enforcement officials to remind all of those who plan on using alcohol at the Division I Football Championship parties on Jan. 12 to act responsibly by designating a sober driver before the big game begins.
“We want everyone to remember that wherever you are watching the big game, if you plan on using alcohol, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver. Don’t get penalized for impaired driving,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at Richland Public Health and a Safe Communities Coalition spokesperson.
The Ohio State Buckeyes take on the University of Oregon Ducks in what is expected to be the largest watched football game of the season. Family and friends will gather to watch the big game and enjoy all the festivities surrounding it. Yet, it can also be a dangerous time on the nation’s roadways due to impaired driving related crashes.
Richmond said that designating a sober driver before the football party begins and making sure friends don’t drive drunk are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other tips are:
If you are attending a Football Championship Game party:
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself – eat, take breaks, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
- If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
- Remember, Buckeye Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Take the keys if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
If you are hosting a Football Championship Game party:
- Serve lots of food – particularly high-protein dishes – and be sure to include lots of non-alcoholic beverages.
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game – and begin serving coffee and dessert.
- Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
- Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.