Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving on Super Sunday Too

Did you know getting pulled over for Buzzed Driving could cost you $10,000 in legal fees, court costs, and increased insurance rates?.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council have teamed up to drive that message home. And, in spite of the thousands of dollars it might cost to fight a drunk driving ticket, there is the real harm you can to to yourself and others if you try to drive while "only" buzzed.

As the excitement and hype of the Super Bowl gets into full swing and the planning for that big Super Bowl party featuring gallons of adults beverages, one thing that may not be on people’s minds is buzzed driving.  However, over 10,000 people were killed in 2010 in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes.  A buzzed driving accident can happen to anyone, anywhere, no matter which team they are rooting for.

The NHTSA and the Ad Council are continuing their Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign.  So during this Super Bowl, amid all the hype and discussion about the Giants and Patriots, we hope you keep in minds these  basic tips to prevent buzzed driving:

1. Before drinking, designate a sober driver. If you don't have a sober driver there's a St. Louis service that will provide one for you. It's call St. Louis Designated Driver. a service makes sure that you AND your car get home safely. Here's the number:  314-330-6598.
2. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. Here's the phone number for two taxi services that serve the Fenton and High Ridge areas: Hey Taxi 636-464-1400
3. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate, contact  local law enforcement
4. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get their destination  safely

For more information about the NHTSA/Ad Council campaign, visit its Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving feed at (@buzzeddriving) and on Facebook.