INCREASED ENFORCEMENT
Local police remind Super Bowl revelers; have a plan, don't drink and drive, stay safe, have fun
Local police agencies announced they will add additional patrols for traffic enforcement in an effort to keep drivers and residents safe this Super Bowl weekend.
“We want football fans in our community to enjoy the festivities, but we also want our roadways to be full of responsible drivers,” said Sergeant Kyle Bourgault, with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office.
“If you choose to drink, do not get behind the wheel,” Bourgault continued.
Bourgault noted alcohol is not the only common substance that impairs. He explained marijuana and prescription medication can also affect your ability to drive.
Like the Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, Bourgault also emphasized the importance of having a game plan before you go out to watch the big game.
“Having a good “game plan” is the best way to celebrate responsibly- Plan a ride ahead of time by utilizing family, friends, taxi service, UBER, LYFT, or other means of transportation. Also, those hosting parties are reminded to be responsible and keep guests from
getting behind the wheel if there’s any sign of impairment,” Bourgault said.
“We hope everyone has a great Super Bowl weekend!” Bourgault added.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that State and local law enforcement agencies throughout New York will be stepping up patrols and targeting impaired driving over the Super Bowl weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 10, 2023, through Monday, February 13, 2023. This safety initiative is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOPDWI with funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
“We want everyone on New York’s roads to be safe as you get together with friends and family to watch the Super Bowl, and that’s why law enforcement will be out looking for impaired and dangerous drivers,” Hochul said. “Make a plan — hire a taxi, have a designated driver to avoid the deadly consequences of impaired drivers and keep your fellow New Yorkers safe.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli added, “The injuries and deaths caused by impaired and drunk drivers are completely preventable. If your Super Bowl plans include alcohol, have a game plan to get home safely. There’s simply no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’re drunk or impaired, and we will have zero tolerance. The New York State Police wants everyone to enjoy Super Bowl weekend — but please do so responsibly.”
The Troy Police Department also confirmed they will be staffing additional personnel on the roads this weekend to target impaired drivers.
“Our message is clear, in 2023 all community members have a multitude of options when celebrating responsibly. With private ridesharing services, CDTA ride-sharing and public transportation, or asking a friend/family member for a ride there is no reason to operate a vehicle while impaired. Any individuals willing to do so are taking grave risks with their own life and the safety of our entire community,” Troy Assistant Chief of Police Steven Barker stated.
North Greenbush police offered up some tips for staying safe and having fun watching the game as well.
“We at NGPD don’t like to choose sides. But, we know that it’s unrealistic to expect you to be as impartial as we are in life so we get that you’re either rooting for the Chiefs or the Eagles. Half of you will be drinking to celebrate (probably Eagles fans). The other half will be drinking to forget (almost definitely Chiefs fans, let’s get real here people!),” a post on their Facebook page stated.
The post from North Greenbush police continued with some tips.
In either case, if you’re going to party like a Lions fan (okay, maybe we’re not ALWAYS unbiased), please do so responsibly. We offer the following tips:
Have a designated driver- Probably whoever in your group understands that means not even having one drink!
Taxi, Uber, Lyft… basically anything that doesn’t have a siren and emergency lights would be best to bring you home.
The halftime show is going to be terrible. It always is. Don’t have any high expectations. Just focus on the 2 or 3 funny ads out of the 200 that will air.
Guacamole is only allowed at parties once a year so get your fill.
Buzzed driving is the same thing as drunk driving. Any loss of your faculties will greatly affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle (or any other heavy machinery, just in case you have access to a bulldozer or something).
“The main point is, don’t drink and drive. Officers will be out patrolling in full force so don’t be the reason they’re not bored. Processing a drunk driver is a lot of work but it’s nothing compared to dealing with the tragedy of a fatal crash. If you don’t do it for us, do it for your family who still loves you even after you rooted for the Chiefs all night,” the post continued.
“Stay safe and healthy out there everyone!!” the post concluded.
Green Island police also reminded people to be responsible during the big game too.
“With Super Bowl Sunday quickly approaching please remember not to drink and drive. We will have extra patrols to make sure our streets stay safe. Call a friend, family member, or an uber!!” a post on the Green Island Police Department Facebook page read.
Albany County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Craig Apple said, “There will be some big plays in the Super Bowl, and you have a chance to make a big play also by not driving impaired. If you are involved in a crash or are stopped by the police while driving impaired, you can’t call a time-out. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be the MVP of Super Bowl weekend by having a plan to get home safely and not drive impaired.”
Colonie police additionally noted they will be stepping up patrols this weekend.
“The Colonie Police Department will have additional patrols out all this weekend beginning Friday, Feb. 10, in the ongoing effort to get impaired drivers off the road. Super Bowl weekend traditionally sees an uptick in parties, particularly on the day of the game as people gather at watch parties. Officers will be stepping up their efforts through increased traffic stops for violations and suspected impaired driving signs,” Lt. Robert Donnelly stated.
“Motorists are encouraged to have a plan before they leave home, ensuring they have a sober driver, taxicab, or ride-share option lined up for after the game or any time they are consuming alcohol,” Donnelly added.