Don’t Let Alcohol Force You Out of the Game; Include a Designated Driver in Your Starting Lineup this Weekend

From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate the Baltimore Ravens for representing the city of Baltimore in the 2011 NFL Playoffs. “While I encourage everyone to have fun cheering the Ravens on to victory, I implore you to do so in a safe and responsible way,” Sheriff L. Jesse Bane said. This is why the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming with the National Football League (NFL) and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition to help endorse the very important safety message of not drinking and driving to all NFL fans.

“If you are preparing to consume alcohol while you watch our beloved Ravens play, we suggest that you do it sensibly, by handing over your keys to a designated driver,” said Bane. Just like the Ravens will try to execute their game plan to win the game, anyone drinking during the games should carry out a designated driver plan to make sure they get home safe. “Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win.”

In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher (.08 grams per deciliter or higher).

We are also asking all party hosts to use a prevent defense to discourage their guests from drinking and driving. And make that extra effort to be sure everyone who will be drinking has assigned a sober designated driver. “Designated drivers are the real play makers for the team, because they make sure that their teammates get home safe,” said Bane. “We want everyone to make the right decision for this weekend and remember real NFL Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”