County of Orange
Health Care Agency

Michael Schumacher, Ph.D.
Director

Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN
Assistant Director

Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH
Deputy Agency Director/Health Officer
Public Health Services

Mailing Address:
515 N. Sycamore St.
Santa Ana, Ca 92701

E-Mail: PublicInfo@ochca.com
 

For Immediate Release
JANUARY 22, 2001

Contact: AMY DALE
(714) 834-5728

Score for Safety on Super Bowl Sunday

(Santa Ana) - A safe Super Bowl Party begins with safe party preparations according to the experts at the Orange County Health Care Agency's Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT).

Statistics gathered by the Auto Club of Southern California from 1988-1998 show that DUI collisions in Orange County increased as high as 51% on Super Bowl Sunday as compared to an average Sunday in January or February. That's a great reason to carefully plan a party that will ensure both a pleasant experience and a safe journey home for all guests.

"These figures show that party hosts and businesses serving alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday need to do their part to encourage safe alcohol consumption and sober driving," said County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton. "Servers and bartenders need to pay attention to how much and how quickly guests are consuming their drinks, and suggest food or slow down alcohol service if they see their guests are becoming intoxicated," Dr. Horton cautioned. "It is best to try to detain the person until they sober up or try to arrange a safe ride home for the person."

Designated drivers need to be watchful for impaired drivers. If you observe an erratic driver on the road, stay behind the vehicle. Do not attempt to pass it. The Auto Club recommends pulling over, if possible, and calling 911 or the local police department to report the vehicle.

If you plan to drink, limit your drinks to no more than one per hour and eat plenty while you drink to slow the alcohol's effects. And remember, if you plan on driving, you should limit the number of drinks you have to ZERO.

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