Obama administration’s Super Bowl warning: Don’t drink too much

The Obama administration is warning Super Bowl revelers not to drink too much alcohol during the big game if they’re planning to get behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Super Bowl advisory Friday to warn football fans of the dangers of drinking and driving.

The agency said 36 percent of the fatal traffic accidents that occurred on Super Bowl Sunday in 2011 involved drunken drivers.

To prevent a recurrence on the day of this year’s big game, NHTSA is recommending football fans draw up a play for getting home safely before Sunday’s kickoff.

“Whether attending the game, watching at a sports bar or hosting a party, NHTSA reminds everyone that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” the agency said. “Before choosing to drink, choose your team’s MVP — a sober designated driver.” 

{mosads}Among NHTSA’s tips for safely enjoying Super Bowl festivities are identifying a designated driver before the party begins and utilizing community sober ride programs if they are available.

The agency also recommends keeping an eye on visibly intoxicated friends and wearing seat belts to prevent injuries in accidents that could be caused by other drunken drivers.

“If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are until you are sober,” NHTSA said.

The highway traffic safety agency is also warning Super Bowl party organizers that they could be held responsible for accidents that happen after people leave their house if they have been served too much alcohol.

“If you are hosting a Super Bowl party: Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash,” the agency said. “Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange alternate transportation.”

NHTSA recommends that Super Bowl party hosts “serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

“Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert,” the agency said. “Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.”

The Super Bowl is being played Sunday in New Orleans between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.