PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined forces with the Pennsylvania State Police, SEPTA, Philadelphia Police Department, and AAA Mid-Atlantic to promote responsible celebrations for Super Bowl Sunday. The event, held at Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philadelphia, focused on raising awareness about the risks of impaired driving and the importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home.
Police officials announced the increased deployment of roving patrols on game day, specifically aimed at identifying and stopping impaired drivers. Event participants also offered advice for party hosts, such as providing non-alcoholic beverage options to support sober driving decisions.
“The Super Bowl is a significant night for our community to come together in celebration, but we need responsible drivers on the roads,” said PennDOT District 6 Executive Din Abazi. “If you plan to be away from home during the Super Bowl, make a game plan to ensure you have a designated driver if needed. If you’re hosting a party, take care of your designated drivers. Remember: Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
PennDOT highlighted troubling data from 2024, revealing that 51 crashes occurred in the Philadelphia region on Super Bowl Sunday, one of which was fatal. Of these incidents, six were determined to be related to impaired driving. Officials stressed that alcohol is not the sole cause of impairment; prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as their combination with alcohol, can significantly affect one’s ability to drive safely.
SEPTA Interim General Manager Scott Sauer encouraged football fans to rely on public transportation for a safe return home. “It’s a good bet that when you’re out cheering for the Eagles this Sunday, whether it’s in South Philly, Swarthmore, Media, Manayunk, or Center City, SEPTA has a safe way home for you and your loved ones,” Sauer said. “We want everyone to have a great experience and celebrate responsibly—and an easy way to do that is by using public transportation.”
AAA Mid-Atlantic echoed these calls for preparation, advising attendees to establish transportation plans well in advance. “Drinking and driving is not a game—it’s a deadly combination and a crime,” said Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Make your winning drive a sober one and designate a driver before indulging in alcohol. Don’t fumble when it comes to safety. Drunk driving is 100 percent preventable.”
Officials outlined several steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening, including designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or rideshare, using public transportation, and taking keys from anyone attempting to drive under the influence. They also urged the public to contact 911 if they spot a drunk driver on the road.
This important initiative reminds everyone that the risks of impaired driving are preventable when planning ahead. By celebrating responsibly and taking these precautions, Super Bowl fans can ensure the safety of themselves and others while enjoying the big game.
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