The Southfield Police Department is huddling up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk reminder for the Super Bowl to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue. Super Bowl LII will kick off Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m.

In all states, drivers are considered alcohol-impaired if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Drunk driving can be deadly and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement, making driving unsafe. In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. Among the 10,497 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 67 percent (7,052) were in crashes in which at least one driver had a BAC of .15, almost twice the legal limit.

Be sure to have a game plan for the night so friends and family know who the designated driver is. “We want to encourage everyone to turn over their keys to a sober driver – our vote for game MVP – before they begin drinking,” said Southfield Chief of Police Eric Hawkins. “Drunk driving can result in serious crashes, injuries or death. If you don’t have a designated driver we urge you consider other ride options such as a cab, Uber or Lyft.”

The Southfield Police Department will be conducting OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) details throughout the evening and early morning hours following Super Bowl LII. “We will be out in full force on February 4 and urge residents not to drink and drive,” stated Sergeant Thomas Literacki. “In Michigan, a first offense OWI can result in up to 180 days in jail, 360 hours of community service and $700 fine; compared to a $10-20 cab or Uber, it’s really not worth it.”

In addition, NHTSA’s SaferRide Mobile App, available in the app store, is another resource to help fans who have been drinking find a sober ride home by identifying their location and helping to call a taxi or a friend to pick them up.

Sober designated drivers should be sure to carry the ball and refrain from drinking alcohol. Be sure your designated driver tweets @NHTSAgov during Super Bowl LII to be featured on NHTSA’s National Wall of Fame.

This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Designate your sober driver before the big game begins. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

For more Super Bowl weekend safety information, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/SuperBowl.