The big game is Sunday and no matter which team you’re rooting for, AAA Western and Central New York wants to remind drivers to have a plan in place to get home safely after a night of festivities. If a 150-pound adult drank three 12-ounce cans of beer during the game, studies show their reasoning would be less reliable and reaction time slowed.

Being prepared is essential. Abstaining from alcohol or having a safe ride home are two options that allow you to enjoy the game while being responsible. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019 — according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). And preliminary numbers indicate that deaths increased again in 2021. It’s imperative that drivers take steps to stay off the road if they are impaired.

Follow these tips to keep roads safer for drivers, passengers and pedestrians:

For drivers 
•    Choose a designated driver before you go out. 
•    Use a ridesharing or local taxi service.
•    Stay with a friend or book a nearby hotel room if you are impaired. 

For hosts 
•    Offer non-alcoholic drink options and never serve minors.
•    Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends.
•    Remind guests to designate a sober driver. 
•    Don’t be afraid to take car keys away from guests who are too impaired to drive. 
•    Help arrange alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who need it. 

For everyone
•    Always wear your seatbelt — 51% of all vehicle occupants killed in 2020 were not wearing seat belts, according to NHTSA. 
•    If you spot someone who appears to be an impaired driver when you are on the road, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle yourself.

As a reminder, some AAA Clubs offer a Safe Ride/Tipsy Tow service. AAA Western and Central New York does not participate.