As many Vermonters prepare to enjoy the Super Bowl, police are reminding people of the hefty consequences of impaired driving.
The Vermont State Police are joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to spread the message about designating a sober driver this weekend.
And the State Police are hoping to bring down 2013’s high DUI numbers. During Super Bowl weekend last year, there were 49 DUI arrests, and seven impaired crashes across the state.
Vermont State Police Sgt. Garry Scott says it’s not just alcohol leading to these issues.
“If you smoke marijuana, if you take prescription drugs, and you start driving, you can be processed the same as an alcohol DUI. So we just want people to realize that we’re going to be out all weekend, not just Sunday night,” said Scott.
Scott says grant funding has made the increased police presence possible. The Vermont State Police have been tweeting using the hashtag #soberbowl to increase awareness for the initiative.
It's Superbowl Sunday! Who are you rooting for? Our pick: Designated Drivers. Have a safe #soberbowl #SB48
— Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) February 2, 2014
