Super Bowl prediction: Drive sober or get pulled over

In 2016, 125 people in Oregon lost their lives in crashes involving a drunk driver (.08 blood alcohol content or higher). The year before, it was 134 people: all in crashes that could have been prevented, ODOT said Friday.

Now is a good time to talk about this, because on Super Bowl weekend – even though we don’t have a West Coast team in the Super Bowl – there will be plenty of gatherings where alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) are involved. Safety advocates are encouraging party hosts (and anyone else concerned about safety) to step in if someone impaired is trying to drive.

Start by watching for warning signs of being impaired (from alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, prescription or even over-the-counter drugs), which include bloodshot, glassy or watery eyes; thick, slurred speech; clumsy movements and many others. If you think a person is not able to drive safely, do what this “warning sign” does in this new Back Roads video from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration – take the keys and help them find a safe way to travel. It could save a life.

Plan ahead if you are going to a party, or if you are having one, be a responsible party host: serve plenty of food; have non-alcoholic options on hand; stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends. BONUS: Have contact information handy for taxis or ride-sharing, or download NHTSA’s SaferRide app – which allows you to quickly hail a ride using your smartphone.

Be on the winning team this weekend and every day: don’t ever let anyone you know (including yourself) drive impaired.