Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Program Manager Torey D. Keltner
Phone: (808) 961-2305
Media Release
With Superbowl Sunday this weekend, Hawai‘i Police Department is reminding Hawai‘i Island motorists to follow some easy traffic safety tips provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Whether you’re throwing a Super Bowl party or just attending one, now is the time to strategize the most important part of your game plan for the big game: a shutdown defense that prevents impaired driving. Driving while impaired by any substance—legal or illegal—puts you, your passengers, pedestrians and others on the road in danger. Here are the keys to the game:
Know the Rules: It’s illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug whether it be prescribed or over the counter.
Many legally obtained and commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drugs can affect a user’s ability to drive safely.
Cold and allergy medicines, antidepressants, opioids, and sleep aids can cause side effects, including drowsiness, nausea, and blurred vision, all of which can put motorists at risk. Read and follow all warning labels before driving, and note that warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle.
Know the Score: Impaired driving is one of the most significant dangers on our island’s roadways. In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island, with 21 of those deaths due to impairment, either drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. While in 2020, there were 15 fatal crashes across Hawai‘i Island with impairment a factor in 12 of those crashes.
Play It Safe:
- Plan a safe and sober ride home ahead of time.
- If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
- If you have smoked or ingested an impairing substance, do not drive.
- If you know someone who is impaired, take their keys and don’t let them get behind the wheel.
- Call 911 if you see an impaired driver.
- Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
These keys to the game will make sure Super Bowl LI is remembered for a big win rather than a tragic loss of life due to impaired driving. And, however you or your guests travel on Super Bowl Sunday, always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense in any vehicle crash.
We hope it’s a great game and that you enjoy it—safely—with friends and family.
Remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Impaired.