(Photo: MGN)DOVER, Del.- Law enforcement agencies across Delaware will be deploying roving DUI patrols in an effort to get impaired drivers off the road on Super Bowl Sunday, according to the state Office of Highway Safety.
The OHS said that on the evening of the big game, the New Castle County DUI Task Force will be conducting a DUI checkpoint in Newark while Delaware State Police and 10 other local law enforcement agencies will be conducting statewide DUI saturation patrols. Officials noted that in 2012 there were 36 individuals arrested for DUI and nine alcohol-related crashes on Super Bowl Sunday statewide.
Delaware's penalties for a first-time DUI conviction include loss of your license, possible jail time up to six months, fines up to $1,500 and mandatory participation in an alcohol education and/or treatment program. Subsequent DUI convictions include mandatory jail time and higher fines.
The OHS is offering the following tips to help you have a safe Super Bowl:
- If you're going out to a bar or party, designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
- Once out, if you've been drinking alcohol, 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 until you are sober.
- Finally, remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
- If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, serve lots of high protein food 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.
