Super Bowl Sunday is the unofficial American holiday for both football fans and casual observers. While the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburg Steelers prepare for the big game, Sailors, Marines and families across the Fleet prepare to host or attend game-watching parties. It’s important to party smart and never drink and drive. Three Sailors and Marines have died on Super Bowl Sunday in the last five years. All involved alcohol. Two were intoxicated themselves and one was killed by a drunk driver.

Throughout the Depart-ment of the Navy, there have been 68 reportable injuries on the last five Super Bowl Sundays. A large number of these mishap reports actually mention Super Bowl parties, or are automobile mishaps that occurred shortly after the conclusion of the game.

Partying is not synonymous with drinking, but if alcohol is involved, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association recommends that party hosts ensure guests have a designated driver. It’s also important to serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, and to stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter. If anyone appears impaired, take the keys and offer them a place to sleep. Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21. A good party host will drink lightly or not at all, so he or she can ensure nothing gets out of hand and no one drives intoxicated.

Those who are attending Super Bowl parties or watching the game at a bar should designate a driver well in advance of the game. Show your appreciation for the DD by picking up the tab for his or her food and sodas or paying for a tank of gas.

Program numbers to local cab companies or your command’s safe ride program into the cell phone, just in case.

No matter where you watch the game, avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Even if you don’t drive, overconsumption increases the risk of a mishap. Eat plenty of food and alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks.

Never let a shipmate leave your sight if you think they are about to drive impaired. It may feel awkward, but being a Sailor or Marine often means making courageous decisions and stepping in to do the right thing.

Always buckle up. Even if you didn’t drink or drank responsibly during the game, there may be other drivers who are impaired. A properly fastened seat belt is the best defense against drunk drivers.

NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!

THINK: What are you doing to minimize your risk and maximize your fun during Super Bowl XLV?