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    PennDOT, Safety Partners Highlight Super Bowl Impaired Driving Campaign

    February 04, 2025

    Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, the Highway Safety Network, and Geisinger Medical Center joined today at Jersey Shore Area High School to urge designated driving and responsible party hosting for this Sunday’s Super Bowl.

     

    Ahead of the biggest one-day sporting event, Pennsylvania is hosting a statewide Super Bowl Impaired Driving Campaign to reduce impaired driving crashes and fatalities.

     

    Participants at the event were able to experience the dangers of driving under the influence by using an impaired driving simulator and completing field sobriety tests while wearing impairment goggles.

     

    “If you plan on heading out to enjoy the big game, have a game plan in place for a sober ride home. If you are the designated driver, take your responsibility seriously and refrain from having any alcohol,” said Deborah Erdman, Injury Prevention Coordinator with Geisinger Medical Center.

     

    Students were also reminded to never accept a ride with a driver that has been drinking or using drugs and were encouraged to speak up when someone is not being safe.

     

    Preliminary PennDOT data shows there were 189 crashes resulting in one fatality and 93 injuries in Pennsylvania during the 2024 Super Bowl. Drinking drivers were involved in 34 of last year’s Super Bowl crashes.

     

    Alcohol is not the only drug that impairs driving; illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair driving as well. Medications mixed with alcohol can exaggerate alcohol’s effects causing even greater impairment.

     

    Before you head out, make a game plan that includes a sober driver—someone who will not drink at all, and who will safely bring you home. Designated drivers are the real MVPs of the big game.

     

    PennDOT offers these safety tips for Super Bowl Sunday:

    • Remember it is never okay to drive impaired. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
    • If hosting a party, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks. Take the keys away from anyone impaired and assist guests in getting home safely.
    • If you are planning on being the designated driver, refrain from drinking any alcohol—it’s that simple. People are relying on you.

    Remember, impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable. To learn more about impaired driving and traffic safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Smith, kiasmit@pa.gov or 570-368-4344

     

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