The Super Bowl weekend is a time for celebration, parties, and often, a fair amount of drinking. Law enforcement agencies in Natrona County say will have an increased presence over the weekend, keeping an close lookout for drunk drivers.

"The three day celebration of the Super Bowl, which typically starts Friday, is statistically one of the biggest drinking days in the United States," said Pete Abrams, the Law Enforcement Liaison for WYDOT. "As usual, we're going to be running operations throughout the state to prevent drunk driving and to arrest those who make the poor choice to drink and drive."

“The Super Bowl should be a fun time, and we want the fans to plan safe rides home if they going to be out at a party,” said Captain Shane Chaney of the Casper Police Department. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. For many, even one drink can be one too many.”

Officials are calling the effort "Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk", and Abrams said with so many options available, there's no excuse to drink and drive. "We have Rideshare, we have programs in Casper like Safe Ride, we have Lyft, we have Uber, we have a well established cab industry throughout the state," he said. "We have friends, family, and instant communication devices in our hands so there is absolutely no excuse."

Natrona County law enforcement recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving, according to a release:

  • It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve only had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation, Safe Ride, a cab or Rideshare to get home safely. 
  • Don’t try to walk home drunk! It can be dangerous – get a sober friend to help you home.
  • If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for your guests and designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance, or help them coordinate with other partygoers’ designated drivers.
  • Encourage your drinking guests to pace themselves, to eat enough, and to drink plenty of water. 
  • Another important reminder: Do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol could be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver. In fact, you could face jail time if you host a party where alcohol is served to people under the age of 21.
  •  Ask your server about Safe Ride. 
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately. Call 9-1-1.
  •  If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

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