Super Bowl LIX is taking place on Sunday, February 9 and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and its law enforcement partners across the State are asking fans to remember the following simple, safe message: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Whether you will be enjoying the game at a party or at a sports bar if you plan to drink then you can plan to have a designated sober driver to get you back home safely.

“The Super Bowl is a time for football, friends and family, funny and creative commercials, and good food,” said Chief Deputy Erica Pelletier with The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office. “The referees on game day might not always make the right call, but you can. When heading out to celebrate, have a game plan. You can score a big win by driving sober or designating a sober driver.”

Impaired driving is a very serious problem with very serious consequences. The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is about twice as high at night than during the daytime. Preliminary data shows that there were 26 impaired driving related fatal crashes during 2024 in Maine. Have fun and enjoy the Super Bowl, but don’t become a statistic, especially on game day.

The Bureau of Highway Safety will be rooting for all football enthusiasts to celebrate safely and responsibly. Make a game plan and stick to it, with the following suggestions:

Whether you are attending a party or going out to a restaurant/bar:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a public transportation service. A small amount of alcohol can still affect driving ability.

• If you have a family member or friend that is about to drive impaired, help to find them a sober driver or provide them with a place to stay the night.

• If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, consider serving a selection of non-alcoholic beverages to your guests. Encourage your fellow football fans to indulge in plenty of snacks and drink an adequate amount of water.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety would like everyone to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday safely and responsibly. Be a game day MVP for yourself and all football fans by remembering: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk