January 28, 2008
Press Release

Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk
Pass Your Keys to a Designated Driver This Super Bowl Sunday

BEDFORD, VA - Sheriff Mike Brown and his Team at the Bedford County Sheriff's Office announced today that they are joining forces with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on using alcohol this Super Bowl weekend.

"We want to remind everyone this weekend that real Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk," said Sheriff Brown. "If you plan on drinking alcohol while cheering your team on to victory, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Follow the rules or law enforcement will penalize you for driving impaired. We want everyone to make the right play for the big game."

Sheriff's Deputies reported having made 5 DUI arrests over this past weekend as heavy saturation patrols continue to be in full force all week.
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it is also one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving.

According to NHTSA, 130 people, representing 39 percent of all traffic fatalities, died during the 2006 Super Bowl weekend in crashes involving impaired drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of .08 or higher.

Sheriff Brown said that designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone's Super Bowl party list.

Contact: Major Ricky Gardener - 540-586-7699