Super Bowl LI is this Sunday. As always, millions of people worldwide will be watching the Atlanta Falcons take on the New England Patriots. For those who are planning to drive to Vallejo to watch the game and consume alcoholic beverages, Vallejo Police Department has a simple recommendation: let someone else drive.

Vallejo PD is teaming up with the California Office of Traffic Safety for a statewide “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign, according to a news release. The goal of the campaign is to encourage football fans to “call the right play” by having a sober friend drive them home. To make this easier, OTS officials are suggesting that a designated driver is chosen before any drinking is done.

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

Additionally, police departments, sheriffs and California Highway Patrol officers across the state will be on high alert Sunday. Vallejo PD, in particular, will be deploying additional officers for DUI saturation patrols with the goal of stopping and arresting drivers who show signs of alcohol and drug impairment before, during and after the game.

Although drivers are considered impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, the Vallejo PD noted that even a small amount of alcohol can have a negative result on reaction time when driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that 10,265 people were killed in impaired-driving crashes in 2015, accounting for 29 percent of all automobile crash deaths.

The Vallejo PD said that there are easy ways to prevent such tragedies.

“Fans who are impaired can secure a safe ride home by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare program,” Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said in a statement.

Another thing people can do is download the free Designated Driver VIP— DDVIP— application for iPhone and Android. This app locates nearby bars and restaurants which feature free incentives for designated sober drivers, including appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. The app is tied to social media and even enables non-designated drivers to call ridesharing services like Lyft, Uber and Curb. Those who witness drivers exhibiting the effects of alcohol are encouraged to report them by calling 911.

Kickoff for the game begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox, which is on Channel 2 in the Bay Area. The Benicia Herald would like to remind everyone to enjoy the game responsibly.

Sharing is caring!