Super Bowl Sunday: The Second Deadliest Drunk Driving Event of the Year

Whether rooting for the St. Louis Rams or the New England Patriots on Super Bowl Sunday, all spectators need to play defense when it comes to drinking and driving. Nearly 60 percent of traffic deaths on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol, making it the second deadliest event of the year. New Year's Day tops the list with 70 percent of alcohol-related traffic deaths.

Despite efforts to better educate drivers and encourage designated drivers, the number of fatal alcohol-related accidents is on the rise. During Super Bowl Sunday of 2000, the latest statistics available, fatal alcohol-related auto accidents increased by 20 percent, compared with 1999.

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I) offers the following tips on how to have a successful and safe party this Super Bowl Sunday:

• WHEN ENTERTAINING GUESTS, BE RESPONSIBLE YOURSELF. Limiting your alcohol intake will allow you to better determine if a guest is able to drive at the end of the night.
• SERVE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Always have alternative beverages for those guests who are driving or choose not to drink.
• DON'T FORCE DRINKS ON YOUR GUESTS OR RUSH TO REFILL THEIR GLASSES WHEN EMPTY. Push the food on your guests, not the alcohol.
• ALWAYS SERVE FOOD AND WATER WITH ALCOHOL. It is proven that food and water can help counter the effects of alcohol.
• SERVE ONLY COFFEE AND TEA TOWARD THE END OF YOUR PARTY.
• ENCOURAGE ALL GUESTS TO HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER. Make sure that any guest who has had too much to drink doesn't drive.
• IF A FRIEND HAS HAD TOO MANY, CALL A CAB OR OFFER HIM THE GUEST ROOM. This will protect your guests from an accident and protect you from a lawsuit.
• ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO WEAR SEATBELTS AND DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. Stay clear of aggressive or impaired drivers.

REMEMBER: In most states you can be held financially responsible for your guests' actions after they leave your party.

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