Prairie State Wire

This Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP), and various local police and sheriff's departments are focusing on promoting safety messages: "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket."

Cynthia Watters, IDOT's bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering, emphasized the importance of planning ahead. "Before your party or the game starts, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements for a safe ride so that you, your passengers and everyone on the roads can return home safely," she said. Watters added that impaired driving is preventable by making responsible choices in advance.

Col. Margaret McGreal from the ISP Division of Patrol warned about the consequences of impaired driving. "The Super Bowl is a game. Driving impaired is not," she stated. She noted that law enforcement agencies would be actively monitoring for impaired drivers during Super Bowl Sunday.

For those acting as designated drivers, McGreal advised against consuming alcohol, cannabis, or any impairing substances. The focus should be on enjoying food, company, and non-alcoholic drinks while ensuring all vehicle occupants are buckled up.

Attendees of Super Bowl parties are encouraged to plan their transportation in advance by designating a sober driver or using community sober ride programs, taxis, or ride-sharing services. Additionally, they should prevent friends and family from driving under the influence and report any impaired drivers to authorities.

Hosts of Super Bowl parties have responsibilities as well. They should ensure guests have safe transportation options, provide ample food and non-alcoholic beverages, cease alcohol service by the end of the third quarter, and offer coffee and dessert during the fourth quarter.

This statewide enforcement initiative is supported by federal traffic safety funds managed by IDOT.