The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots aren’t the only ones preparing for Super Bowl Sunday. The Virginia State Police is also gearing up to conduct its own “Trooper Bowl” traffic safety enforcement campaign in conjunction with Super Bowl LII.
Trooper Bowl will be conducted across the Commonwealth of Virginia from Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 5) through Monday morning (Feb. 6). Virginia State Police will increase their manpower and patrols in order to safeguard area interstates from impaired and reckless drivers.
“As people go out to the restaurants and Super Bowl parties to enjoy the game, we hope they can make the smart choice and have a designated driver or call for a ride.” said Captain Richard Denney, Virginia State Police Division VI (Salem) Commander. “Drive to Save Lives, drinking and driving should never be in your game plan, which is why our troopers will be out specifically patrolling for impaired drivers.”
On average, during a single football game, three people will die as a result of drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2015, 10,265 people nationwide lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. If you plan to drink, then plan to get home safely:
- Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse, the risk of having a crash.
- If you will be drinking, make a plan ahead of time. Designate a sober driver before the party begins.
- If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi or rideshare service such as Lyft or Uber, phone a sober friend or family member, or just stay put.
-Submitted by Sgt. Richard Garletts
