Auto Club Says Super Bowl Sunday Risk of Alcohol-Related Collisions Has Declined Dramatically in California; Super Bowl Sunday: Chips, Dip and -- Sober Driving?

Business/News Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003

Contradicting an 11-year trend, there were fewer alcohol-related crash fatalities and injuries on Super Bowl Sunday in California during 2002, compared with other non-holiday Sundays in January and February, said the Automobile Club of Southern California.

During 2002, Super Bowl Sunday alcohol-related fatalities and injuries were actually 6 percent lower statewide than on comparable Sundays, the only time during the 11-year period studied that this has occurred.

During 2001, the crash rate was 12 percent higher on Super Bowl Sunday than on comparable non-holiday Sundays in January and February, but that figure was still well below the 11-year statewide average increase of 28 percent. (See chart below.)

Individual county results varied. Los Angeles County, for example, showed a 24 percent increased rate of alcohol-related crashes in 2002, compared with an 11-year average increase of 37 percent. Orange County alcohol-related fatalities and injuries were up 25 percent, compared with an 11-year average increase of 55 percent, according to an Auto Club study of California Highway Patrol data.

The declining crash rate was most dramatic in San Diego County. Alcohol-related fatalities and injuries on Super Bowl Sunday were down 40 percent in 2002, compared with non-holiday Sundays in January and February. This level was far less than the 11-year county average increase of 28 percent.

"Because we've seen lower DUI rates for only two years now, it's unclear whether this is a real trend or just a random fluctuation," said Steve Bloch, Ph.D., Auto Club senior researcher. "While we're pleased to have seen an improvement during the past two years, Super Bowl Sunday remains the top at-home party event of the year, with great potential for increased drinking and driving."

From 1992 through 2002, 2,013 people were killed and injured statewide in drinking and driving collisions on Super Bowl Sunday. That works out to an average of 183 people killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes on each game day. In comparison, on an average Sunday in January or February from 1992 through 2002, 143 people are killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions.

Bloch said he hopes this study will help increase awareness of the risk of drinking and driving so that DUI crash numbers will continue to shrink this Super Bowl Sunday and in the future. "Education and increased enforcement have proven to be effective tools in reducing drinking and driving crashes," Bloch said.

"We want to create an awareness that holidays such as New Year's Eve aren't the only time to exercise caution. Super Bowl Sunday and other special occasions throughout the year can also prove highly dangerous."

To help keep drivers and passengers safe on Super Bowl Sunday, the Auto Club recommends these tips:

-- Don't drink and drive.

-- Use a designated driver if attending a Super Bowl party.

-- Call a friend or family member or a taxi for a ride if you've been drinking.

-- If hosting a Super Bowl party, be responsible. Take car keys from partygoers as they arrive and don't let them drive drunk. Serve non-alcoholic drinks and encourage each group to have a designated driver. Serve protein-rich and starchy foods to slow alcohol absorption.

If you observe an erratic driver while on the road, try to stay behind his or her vehicle and out of harm's way. If it's safe to do so, pull over and call 911 or alert local police, providing a detailed description of the vehicle and its location.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs and legislative advocacy.

                           Super Bowl Sunday
           Alcohol-Related Fatal and Injury Crash Statistics
          (Crashes compared with other non-holiday Sundays in
                         January and February)

                             2002             1992-2002 average

Statewide                 6% decrease            28% increase
Los Angeles County       24% increase            37% increase
Orange County            25% increase            55% increase
San Diego County         40% decrease            28% increase


Source: Automobile Club of Southern California