Safe Driving on One of NC’s Drunkest Days: The Super Bowl

As the trifecta of American football, parties, and booze. draws near, it’s time to review drunk driving laws in North Carolina and tips for a safe Super Bowl. In the excitement of the big game, partygoers can forget the consequences of drinking and then getting behind the wheel. There’s no denying that Super Bowl Sunday is one of the country’s strongest traditions—whether you’re watching it for the pigskin or the half-time show, there’s a good chance you’re tuning in. Americans traditionally host Super Bowl parties filled with nachos, chicken wings, and beer. A whole lot of beer. And if you’re not careful, over-indulging can result in a Super Bowl night that ends in legal trouble or an injury as a consequence of poor choices.

Your chance of being involved in an alcohol-related car accident on Super Bowl Sunday far exceeds that of a normal Sunday. According to data, the most dangerous time to be on the road is the hour immediately following the Super Bowl. Motorists who aren’t impaired can remain fatigued from a long day of sports-watching, and even designated drivers may be distracted by rowdy passengers or post-game radio interviews.

These situations compromise everyone’s safety—drinkers, non-drinkers, fans, and families. It’s important to understand how to protect yourself from becoming the victim of an accident due to a drunk driver in North Carolina or wherever you’re watching the game.

Whether you’re driving, riding, or walking home from a Super Bowl celebration, think about ways to be safe. Follow these tips for arriving home unharmed after the game clock ticks to zero:

• Pay attention to other partygoers, and don’t let anyone drive drunk.
• Plan a sober ride ahead of time with a cab, rideshare, or trusted family member or friend.
• Drive defensively: Other motorists will likely be impaired.
• Follow North Carolina seatbelt laws and make all passengers buckle up.
• If you’re walking, stick to the sidewalks, and never assume drivers see you, to avoid a pedestrian accident.
• This Super Bowl Sunday, remember one thing: Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.

Drunk driving laws in North Carolina don’t relax because it is Super Bowl Sunday, and you could be in a lot of trouble for getting behind the wheel buzzed or drunk. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Impaired drivers can be fined and serve a jail sentence, and these penalties compound if you’re a repeat offender. If someone is killed due to your poor actions, the family of the person may hold you liable for wrongful death.

Victims of drunk driving accidents in North Carolina, or anywhere, may experience broken bones and injuries, lost work, and trauma, and relationships can be ruined when you betray someone’s trust and drive impaired.

This advice doesn’t apply only to Super Bowl Sunday. Follow our tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after your Fantasy draft party, through the championship, and during the off-season. If a drunk driver crashes into you, our personal injury lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina are standing by to help.