LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Football fans planning to take part in Super Bowl parties Sunday need to remember it's "game over" for anyone caught drinking and driving, or operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, authorities said.


What You Need To Know

  • Authorities say it's "game over" for anyone caught drinking and driving, or operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs for Super Bowl Sunday

  • CHP officers will be conducting targeted patrols, looking specifically for impaired motorists who may be coming or going from Super Bowl celebrations

  • Along with CHP personnel, local law enforcement agencies will be conducting saturation patrols and staffing sobriety checkpoints

  • The CHP arrested 229 motorists on suspicion of DUI during game day 2021, according to the agency

"Getting behind the wheel while impaired can end tragically," California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement. "Instead, make responsible decisions if your plans include alcohol, and help keep everyone safe by planning for a sober ride home. Do not turn a day of fun into a lifetime of regret."

CHP officers will be conducting targeted patrols, looking specifically for impaired motorists who may be coming or going from Super Bowl LVI celebrations.

The big game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Along with CHP personnel, local law enforcement agencies will be conducting saturation patrols and staffing sobriety checkpoints to nab suspected drunken or drug-impaired motorists.

Sunday's deployments are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" campaign. According to the CHP, five people died and 105 were injured in alcohol-fueled crashes statewide on Super Bowl Sunday last year.

The CHP arrested 229 motorists on suspicion of DUI during game day 2021, the agency said.

Officials offered the following tips to people planning to host Super Bowl parties:

  • ensure guests have a designated driver or can arrange for ride-sharing
  • serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party
  • stop serving alcohol before the end of the game's third quarter
  • take the keys away from guests showing signs of impairment, then call them a cab or arrange for transportation via Lyft, Uber or other services

Under state law, anyone with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher is considered impaired.

Authorities said penalties for anyone convicted of a DUI offense can include suspension or revocation of driving privileges, steep fines, jail time and prison if there are injuries involved.