Be a good Wingman for Super Bowl festivities

  • Published
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Safety Office
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --   Whichever team you are cheering for to win on Super Bowl Sunday, do not forget you are already a member of a winning team.  As team members, we play an important role in watching out for our friends and family members during and after the game. So do not get a penalty - meaning a trip to the jail. Local and state law enforcement authorities will be watching as we motor around our town - so no drinking and driving. If you decide to host a party at your home, be a good host and play it safe in not letting your guests drive intoxicated. If you decide to party alone, remember to pre coordinate and use alternative means to get home safely.

If you're attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:

* Designate your sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.

* Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.

* If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and don't drive until you are sober.

* Use your community's sober ride program.

* Never let friends drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.

* Always buckle up. It's still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you're hosting a Super Bowl party:

* Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.

* Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

* Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.

* Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

* Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving accident.

* If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.

* Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time.

Go Alamo Team! Have a great time but remember to do it safely and responsibly.