Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Program Manager Torey Keltner
Phone: (808) 961-2305
Media Release
Six weeks into the new year there have already been five traffic fatalities on island. With Super Bowl LVII happening this Sunday, February 12, Hawai‘i Island police have teamed up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind Big Island football fans that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you plan for a designated driver to get you home safely after the game.
“We want our community members to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Manager.
“If you’re planning to be away from home during Super Bowl, make a game plan to ensure you don’t find yourself without a designated driver if you need one. If you’re hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
Impaired driving is on the of the most significant dangers on our island roadways. Last year there were 34 traffic fatalities on island, the highest number of deaths since 2012, when there were 38 traffic deaths. Of those 34 deaths, impairment a factor in half, or 17, of those deaths. 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.
Be the DD MVP
If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the day’s MVP and that people are relying on you. Your positive influence could help keep them on the right track.
Host a Winning Party
If you’re hosting a party for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and nonalcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers.
Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long day ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water.
Have a Game Plan
Whether you are attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy day:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service or call a taxi or sober friend to get home safely.
- If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely. They may complain, but they’ll thank you later.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Only one team wins Super Bowl, but if you drive drunk, you lose. Score the big win during Super Bowl LVII with a commitment to sober driving.