Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Will Be Out for Super Bowl Week

February 05, 2011 (Press-News.org) Pittsburgh fans have a lot to celebrate as the Steelers will make their seventh trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history. Super Bowl XLV takes place next Sunday, February 6 in Dallas and many fans are already planning to fly or drive down to see the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium. But some fans may not be celebrating after the game as Pennsylvania law enforcement will be part of a nationwide impaired driving prevention campaign to stop drunk drivers. The Super Bowl Week Impaired Driving Prevention Week runs from January 31 to February 6, 2011.

Football fans throughout Pennsylvania should plan ahead to have a sober driver or a safe ride home if they are headed out to a Super Bowl party or bar to watch the game.

Agencies such as the Center for Traffic Safety, based in York, Pennsylvania, are advising motorists not to drive if they are impaired. Roving DUI patrols will be out there and in other counties in Pennsylvania as local, state and national agencies hope to curb drunk driving accidents and fatalities. Super Bowl weekend is traditionally one of the most dangerous driving weekends of the year because of impaired driving.

Pennsylvania DUI Association Has Tips for Super Bowl Sunday

The Pennsylvania DUI Association, based in Harrisburg, has tips for Super Bowl party hosts and fans. For party hosts, make sure that all guests have designated a sober ride home. Make sure that sober cab has his or her beverage of choice. As a thank-you, give the designated driver a good seat to watch the game, first pass at the food and a good parking space.

Super Bowl hosts should also plan ahead of time when they will stop serving alcohol. Begin serving coffee and desserts about an hour before the end of the game. Hosts may also want to have the number of a local cab company programmed into cell phones and have a few spare bunks for guests that may need to stay overnight.

Party goers should have a sober cab and leave their car at home before drinking. Program the numbers of a few cab companies, just in case. Offer to pay for parking, or pick up the designated driver's tab at the bar.

The costs and penalties of a first-offense DUI in Pennsylvania can be significant. Depending on the accused's blood alcohol concentration, a defendant facing charges of first-offense impaired or drunk driving may face fines of $300 to $5,000. Probation and prison time can also range from six months probation to six years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense. Those convicted of DUI can also face license suspension, house arrest and other penalties. Along with the criminal DUI penalties and fines, DUI convictions can also have dramatic effects on career, schooling and housing options.

Enjoy the Super Bowl safely!

Article provided by Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, P.C.
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