Delaware police step up patrols for Super Bowl Sunday

As football fans across the country gather to watch the Baltimore Ravens and San Fransico 49ers go toe-to-toe on Super Bowl Sunday, the “men in blue” will be keeping a close eye on the roads just to make sure impaired drivers aren’t traveling during the big celebration.

On Sunday night, the New Castle County DUI Task Force will set up a DUI checkpoint in Newark while the Delaware State Police conduct statewide patrols along with ten other local law enforcement agencies.  Last year this time, police arrested 36 individuals for DUI violations. There were nine alcohol related crashes during the Super Bowl statewide.

Police aren’t taking impaired driving lightly even for first time offenders either.  Penalties can include a suspended license, jail time and hefty fines as well as mandatory participation in an alcohol education program. By the time you calculate those fines and legal fees for a first time DUI conviction, the cost will run an offender at least $3,400.00. Repeated offenses could land people in jail automatically which involves higher fines.

The Office of Highway Safety offers these tips for football fans planning to enjoy Super Bowl weekend.  The first tip suggests people designate a sober driver and hand over their keys to that person before heading out to a party. Secondly, if you’re already out and about, make sure you ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab or stay where you are. The final tip is directed to those of you hosting a party, reminding hosts to stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and be sure to team up impaired guests with sober drivers.

As the Delaware Office of Highway Safety puts it, “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”