Phoenix, Ariz., January 30, 2009.  As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the parties are preparing to begin throughout the state. Plans should not forget one vital ingredient: A good supply of designated drivers, and a safety plan for every guest.

The most common audience that will watch the big game are men between the ages of 21 and 34 – a crowd that is also among the most likely to drive while intoxicated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency also reports that in 2007 a third of all fatal crashes were alcohol-related.  In Arizona during that same year, 1,066 people were killed as a result of an alcohol-related crash. 

That’s an alarming statistic, but fortunately it’s easily combated with planning that makes safety a high priority, including allowing guests to sleep overnight or ensuring there are enough designated drivers. The repercussions are severe, said Brad Oltmans, vice president of insurance services for AAA Arizona.

 “A night of fun ends tragically with any DUI offense. Not only do your  insurance rates go up dramatically,” Oltmans said. “The penalties are tougher than ever, as a first offense could result in mandatory jail time, suspension of your license, costly fines and a mandatory ignition interlock device. Not to mention that the chance that you can injure or kill someone is very real when impaired.”

The Insurance Information Institute also warned this week that it is possible that a host can be held liable if an impaired guest causes a crash that result in injury or death following the party. For this reason, AAA Arizona encourages hosts to check with their insurance agent to determine their liabilities.

And if a party goes late, motorists should remember that being too tired to drive is a very dangerous form of impairment. AAA encourages the following tips for a fun and safe celebration:

• Require guests to plan a designated driver before they attend your event and ensure designated drivers remain so.
• Limit alcohol content so you can judge whether your guests can drive home safely

• Provide non-alcoholic options
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the game’s third quarter, and provide options such as coffee and soft drinks
• Have plenty of food and snacks available, as empty stomachs cause quicker ingestion of alcohol
• Don’t serve intoxicated guests, and don’t pressure guests to refill glasses
• Be prepared to call a cab,  or provide a sleeping place for intoxicated guests

AAA Arizona also encourages all motorists to be safe on the roads during Super Bowl weekend: To wear a seat belt, obey the speed limit and keep an open eye for impaired drivers, or drivers lost as they seek out their party location.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

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