Jersey Lawmen Promise Super Drunk Driving Crackdown on Super Bowl Sunday

Law enforcement and Highway Safety officials are reminding Jersey residents to stay safe and sober behind the wheel on Super Bowl Sunday - what has historically been one of the most dangerous weekend days of the year.

State Attorney General Jeff Chiesa says the last time the New York Giants played in the Super Bowl in 2008, police in the Garden state arrested 176 drunk drivers, the second highest total ever in New Jersey on a Super Bowl Sunday.

During the past 5 Super Bowls, there has been only one alcohol-related crash fatality in Jersey. That tragedy occurred the same night the Giants lifted the Lombardi Trophy in 2008. In 2001, the Giants’ previous Super Bowl appearance, 5 people died as a result of alcohol-related crashes.

Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes says “we need to have an adult conversation about drinking and driving on Super Bowl Sunday -we know that we’re not going to stop people from drinking – but it’s our hope that we can stop people from drinking and driving.”

Colonel Fuentes says it’s important to develop an “exit strategy” before the big game, so you’ll be able to get home safe and sound.

“We’re going to have a hundred (extra) patrols that are going to be out there this Sunday” says Colonel Fuentes, “so the risks are going to be measurably higher that you’re going to get caught – drinking and driving…when you go to the party, be the hero- be the life of the party – and be a designated driver.”