By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, [email protected]
Super Bowl LVI is right around the corner, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. This year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to remind football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunk driving. When Super Bowl celebrations involve alcohol, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. TxDOT and AgriLife Extension want to remind everyone: Drive Sober. No Regrets.
If hosting a Super Bowl LVI party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for guests. Additionally, do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver. In fact, the alcohol contributor can face jail time if they host a party where alcohol is served to people under 21.
The decision to drive impaired—and the consequences that follow—are irreversible. Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. One drink can be one too many. When heading out for a night of Super Bowl fun, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember: It is never OK to drive drunk. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely after drinking.
- Use the community’s sober ride program if available.
- If a drunk driver is seen on the road, call 911 immediately.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and plan to get them home safely.
Everyone should know by now that it is illegal to drive impaired. Yet still, thousands die each year in drunk-driving-related crashes. In Texas alone during 2020, 958 people died in vehicular crashes in which the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Punishment for being caught drinking and driving will result in jail time, loss of driver’s license, loss of vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.
Remember: Choosing to drive drunk may result in legal and financial hardships, diminished reputation, vehicle loss, and even loss of life. Take the better road and avoid alcohol altogether!
Souper Bowl of Caring Reminder
Our Hopkins County 4-H Clubs are partnering with tacklehunger.org to help feed people in Hopkins County. If anyone in your house watches an NFL game, we challenge you to donate a canned or packaged non-perishable food item.
The Extension Office, located at 1200 West Houston in Sulphur Springs, is a drop-off point. Additionally, Alliance Bank, Sulphur Springs High School, and Sulphur Springs News-Telegram are joining the team to serve as drop-off points.
Food items will be accepted through Feb. 14 and delivered to agencies for distribution on Feb. 15. Be a part of something great in your community!
Closing Thought
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.– Mother Teresa
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
