Every February, friends and family gather to watch the big game and look forward to their favorite team taking home the big win. Whether you are hosting a Super Bowl party or attending a watch party, it is best to have a game plan if you are planning on consuming alcoholic beverages. In 2018 there were 10,511 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in which at least one driver had a Blood Alcohol Content at or above the legal limit of .08 g/dL, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Tips to Keep Your Home Safe for the Big Game
This Super Bowl Sunday, we want you to have a good offense and plan ahead. You can have a fun and safe watch party by following these tips to keep your home and guests safe:
- Coordinate designated drivers. – If you are hosting a watch party, make sure to ask guests if they have a designated driver. If they do not have a designated driver in mind, keep their keys in a safe, communal bowl and only give them back if they are sober to drive. For guests attending a Super Bowl party, be sure to think ahead and plan on an alternative mode of transportation if consuming alcohol.
- Never leave the kitchen unattended. – According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking was the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties. It is easy to get distracted when there is a group of people huddled and shouting at a TV. However, if you are grilling, frying, or boiling food for your guests, never leave the kitchen unattended.
- Clear the space to prevent falls. – As the excitement continues and the drinks begin to flow, guests might have a hard time keeping their balance or might begin to seem disoriented. Avoid potential falls or injuries by providing good lighting and clearing walkways and stairs.
- Offer non-alcoholic beverage options. – Consuming alcohol might seem like the only choice of beverage during Super Bowl parties, especially if guests are not aware that there are other non-alcoholic options. Place water, juice, soda, and any other options you may have available next to the alcoholic beverages to ensure people have a sober option.
- Stop serving alcohol after the third quarter. – In most NFL stadiums, after every third quarter, there is a last call for alcohol. To provide a great and safe experience for everyone, stop serving alcohol after the third quarter and consider passing out waters or bringing out coffee and dessert.
- Serve plenty of food. – The best way to keep guests sober is by serving food. Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach will increase the chances of intoxication. Opt for simple yet effective snack options such as pretzels, bread, pizza, or chicken wings.
Drive Safe on Sunday
With Super Bowl being hosted in Miami this year, it is important to stay safe on the roads – especially with Florida’s new No Texting while Driving law.
Whether you are driving to a Super Bowl party or driving to the game, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Drive within the city speed limits
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Plan ahead and use alternative transportation if consuming alcohol
- Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel
- Never drive under the influence!
There are three major factors that increase the risk of car crashes after Super Bowl: fatigue, alcohol consumption, and distraction from re-playing the game in your head.
Stadium Safety to Know Before You Go
If you will be attending Super Bowl LIV, here are a few tips to know before you go:
- Tailgating will not be permitted at the Hard Rock Stadium any time during Super Bowl weekend.
- Only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed.
- Small handbags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed inside the stadium.
- Be courteous of others and refrain from using foul or abusive language, obscene gestures, intoxication, fighting, disruption of other guests, smoking, or failing to follow instructions of law enforcement.
- Cameras exceeding six inches will not be allowed. However, camera bags will NOT be permitted inside the stadium.
For more items that may or may not be permitted into the stadium can be found on the Super Bowl LIV Security Procedures online.
No event, game, or play is worth endangering your safety or the safety of others. This Super Bowl Sunday put your safety first and take all precaution when hosting or attending the big game. At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, our Miami personal injury lawyers can help you protect your rights after an accident. If you or someone you know were seriously injured in an accident, call (305) 662-6178 for a free consultation about your specific situation. We serve clients throughout South Florida.
Reference:
Safety Tips: Super Bowl Safety (n.d) Retrieved January 21, 2020 from https://amr.net/resources/safety-information/amr-15-2739-super-bowl-safety.pdf
Tips for Throwing a Safe Football Party (n.d) Retrieved January 21, 2020 from https://statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/tips-for-throwing-a-safe-football-party
