As Super Bowl LIX approaches, football fans across Windsor are gearing up for an exciting day of celebration.
Tickets are already selling fast for Sunday’s party at Average Joe’s Sports Bar, where organizers say the annual event proves to be one of the most popular of the year.
“The energy in the room is always great. We do tend to sell well over 100 tickets for the Super Bowl,” said owner, Colleen Kelly.
Kelly said despite the Detroit Lions not appearing at the big game, many people are expected to enjoy the event. However, as the festivities ramp up, MADD Canada urges fans to prioritize safety and take proactive steps to prevent impaired driving.
“We just ask everyone, please don’t drink and drive,” Kelly stated.
“Get dropped off. We will call you a cab. We’ll call you an Uber. We want to serve safe and make sure everyone enjoys their time.”
Each year, hundreds of Canadians lose their lives, and thousands more suffer injuries due to crashes involving alcohol, cannabis, or drugs.
Officials with MADD Canada said these avoidable tragedies deeply affect families and communities nationwide. They note major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, often see an uptick in impaired driving incidents, especially before the game, during halftime, and after the final whistle.
“Make the right play, make the right calls this upcoming Super Bowl weekend by planning ahead, by preparing for a safe sober ride home to and from festivities,” said MADD Windsor and Essex County Community Leader Chaouki Hamka.
“We want to send a message as well to party hosts about their legal obligation with regards to hosting guests, especially if alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs are involved.”
According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 45 per cent of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022 were alcohol related.
“Hosts have to really understand that they’re under legal obligation. Anybody travelling to and from a certain residence, it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure they get home safely after a night of drinking or possible drug consumption,” Hamka explained.
“So, we urge party hosts to have non-alcoholic beverages, to have extra food, to have a place for people to put their keys, have cab numbers, have possible rides prepared for these people that are going to be partying at your house.”
Hamka added to monitor your guests, their consumption, and what they’re eating.
“This way, you’re protecting yourself and also protecting that person as well, because as we all know, when we start to drink and we start to smoke, we start to get a little tipsy, we don’t usually make the best decisions.”
To help keep roads safe, MADD Canada encourages everyone to follow these essential Super Bowl safety tips:
Plan ahead and never drive impaired: If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, make a plan before game day. Arrange for a sober ride home by using a designated driver, public transit, or a rideshare service. Never operate a vehicle — whether a car, bike, golf cart, or ATV — while impaired.
Be a responsible host: If you’re hosting a Super Bowl gathering, take steps to ensure your guests get home safely. Help them arrange transportation, encourage them to use designated drivers or rideshare services, and consider offering a place to stay overnight if needed.
Stay alert on the roads: If you’re driving sober, be extra cautious. More impaired drivers may be on the road after the game, so drive defensively, wear your seatbelt, and obey all traffic laws.
Educate young adults about impaired driving: Parents should use events like the Super Bowl as opportunities to talk to their children about the dangers of underage drinking and impaired driving. MADD Canada’s Power of Parents Handbook provides valuable strategies to guide these discussions and promote safe decision-making.
Report suspected impaired drivers: If you see someone driving erratically or suspect impairment, report it to law enforcement immediately. Taking action could save lives.
Meantime, Windsor police and Ontario Provincial Police are reminding football fans if you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages or consuming other intoxicating substances, remember to plan ahead. Arrange for a designated driver, take a cab, call a sober driver for a ride or plan to stay over.
“We’re asking everybody who’s going to be celebrating this year to please plan ahead,” said Windsor Police Constable Bianca Jackson.
Jackson echoed MADD Canada’s message that if you are hosting a party, you are ultimately responsible for anyone that is consuming alcohol or cannabis while at your home or business.
“This is the time of year a lot of people do like to plan house parties and if you do have a house party or a gathering for the Super Bowl, just be that responsible homeowner and make sure that everybody who is leaving your home does have a designated driver to drive them home. Use a rideshare or drive them home yourself,” Jackson said.
“Make sure you have your designated driver ready for you after your festivities are over and if you are driving, be weary. There’s going to be more pedestrians, people going to and from different spots for the game. So, make sure you’re paying attention, being more of a defensive driver than anything. And if you see somebody who may be impaired, don’t hesitate to call 911.”
