Police warn against drunk driving this Super Bowl Sunday

With Super Bowl LVII happening this Sunday, 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.”

Hawai‘i police have reported five traffic fatalities on the island, six weeks into 2023. 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,” Keltner continued. “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.