Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the PA DUI Association teamed up with the Original Big Shot Bob’s Avalon location to remind drivers to practice safe and sober driving ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
The partners came together to attach impaired driving awareness flyers on takeout boxes to remind motorists to celebrate this year’s Super Bowl game responsibly. The flyers were created to bring attention to the important task of designating a safe and sober driver if impairment becomes part of the plan for celebrating, with the tagline “Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
As the Original Big Shot Bob’s locations are a popular food option on game days, known best for their wings, the owner was proud to support the cause, “We love the communities we serve and it would be devasting if we lost a member because someone made a bad decision to drink and drive,” said owner Matthew Cercone. “We are happy to partner on this effort, especially if it makes even one person change their mind about getting behind the wheel impaired.”
The partners remind motorists, whether celebrating the big game at home, at a party, or especially out in public, remember to plan ahead with a designated driver.
For those who decide to gather this year to celebrate the Super Bowl, PennDOT advises the following safety tips:
- Prepare your snacks ahead of time so there is no need to leave.
- Have plenty of water available, especially if alcohol is present.
- Consider making mocktails as an alternative to alcoholic beverages.
- Never mix your medications with alcohol.
Additionally, drivers are reminded alcohol consumption is not the only path leading to a DUI arrest. Law enforcement also work to identify motorists impaired by illegal drugs and prescription medication. Drug impairment is just as dangerous on the road, which speaks to the importance of knowing how prescribed medications can affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Both alcohol and drugs, legal and illegal, can impair a person’s judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time, as well as impact others on the road.
According to preliminary PennDOT data from 2024, there were 198 crashes statewide from Super Bowl Sunday to 6:00 a.m. the following day. Those crashes resulted in one fatality.
Together, the partners are urging fans to think ahead and help put a stop to impaired driving crashes.
For more information, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
PennDOT’s media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.
MEDIA CONTACT: Yasmeen Manyisha, ymanyisha@pa.gov
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