Major sporting events like the Super Bowl often coincide with a surge in alcohol consumption—and, tragically, an uptick in impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 45 percent of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022 involved alcohol.
“Super Bowl Sunday is about teamwork, both on and off the field,” said MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart. “Planning a safe ride home is the ultimate game-winning play—it protects your community and ensures everyone makes it to the next game day.”
MADD is encouraging fans to make responsible choices, whether by designating a sober driver, calling a rideshare, or using public transportation. The organization also has a message for party hosts: take an active role in your guests’ safety by helping them arrange transportation or offering a place to stay.
For those who do get behind the wheel, vigilance is key. Designated drivers should remain extra alert, particularly after the game, when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road. Law enforcement agencies, too, are on high alert, urging the public to report suspected impaired drivers.
The call for caution comes amid a concerning trend: impaired driving fatalities have risen 33 percent since 2019. In response, MADD has expanded its efforts beyond public awareness campaigns, launching MADD Sports, an initiative that partners with athletes and teams to promote responsible decision-making, particularly among young fans.
- Whether watching from a sports bar, a crowded living room, or the stadium itself, Super Bowl spectators have an opportunity to make a winning play—one that ensures everyone gets home safely.
- MADD’s Super Bowl Safety Guidelines
- Plan Ahead and Avoid Impaired Driving: If drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, arrange a safe ride home in advance. Use a rideshare service, designate a sober driver, or opt for public transportation to prevent impaired driving incidents.
- Be a Responsible Host: Super Bowl party hosts play a crucial role in guest safety. MADD encourages hosts to help guests plan safe transportation or provide accommodations to prevent impaired driving accidents.
- Drive With Caution: Sober drivers should remain extra alert after the game when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road. Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts and practice defensive driving.
- Educate Teens on Safe Choices: Parents should discuss the risks of underage drinking and impaired driving with their children. MADD’s Power of Parents Handbook offers strategies to promote responsible decision-making.
- Report Impaired Drivers: If you suspect an impaired driver, contact law enforcement immediately to help prevent potential accidents.
With impaired driving fatalities up 33% since 2019, MADD urges fans to make safety a priority. Party hosts can support the cause by encouraging responsible choices and offering alcohol-free options. Through its MADD Sports initiative, the organization partners with athletes and teams to spread awareness and promote safer celebrations.