Cops Recommend New Shopping List for a Safe Super Bowl Party: Chips, Dips -- and Alcohol Test Strips; In Response to Just-Released NHTSA Findings.

News Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003

If past Super Bowls are any indication, the real carnage next weekend won't take place on the field. It will take place on the nation's roads and highways.

According to just obtained statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 135 people tragically lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes last Super Bowl Weekend, a 36% increase versus the prior weekend -- representing a pattern of increased Super Bowl weekend fatalities over the last four years. For these four years, NHTSA data further reveal the majority (55%) of total traffic fatalities over this weekend were alcohol-related, an alarming increase versus an annual percentage of 41%.

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called on private and public partners to redouble their efforts in 2003 to prevent drunk driving, which continues to be on the rise nationally. Law enforcement is leading the way, cracking down on violators but more importantly trying to educate motorists that impairment is difficult to judge and guessing wrong can cost drivers their license, vehicle and high fines.

As part of this overall effort, many law enforcement leaders are suggesting fans consider adding something new to the shopping list for their celebrations -- the Guardian Angel Personal Alcohol Test, a fast, reliable way to estimate Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and reinforce designated driver programs so everyone gets home safely after the game.

Chief William B. Berger, head of North Miami Beach Police Department and immediate past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the largest law enforcement organization in the world with over 19,000 members, said, "Law enforcement wants every American to enjoy the game, but getting home safely from drinking establishments or house parties is law enforcement's top priority. Guardian Angel alcohol test strips help a party host be responsible by empowering guests to make a more informed decision after drinking. Finding alternative transportation, including reaching a local taxi via a free number printed right on the package, is the right choice."

The North Miami Beach Police Department, along with law enforcement agencies in 15 other states, has been using Guardian Angel Personal Alcohol Tests in outreach programs designed to raise alcohol awareness, promote personal responsibility and support designated driver programs.

With the Super Bowl being played in San Diego, D. O. "Spike" Helmick, Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) emphasized the importance of helping the public understand that someone can be too impaired to drive safely even at BAC levels below the legal limit. Commissioner Helmick said, "Alcohol test strips support our designated driver message by giving family and friends a simple, non-confrontational way to get someone to hand over their car keys."

"Most Americans have heard the plea of 'Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk.' Now, the proof is in the 'Strip,'" said Jeff Scult, vice president of Guardian Angel. "Every DUI is preventable, and with Guardian Angel available for approximately $2 at the checkout area in most major U.S. markets, our inexpensive personal alcohol test packs have become the key ingredient for a safe Super Bowl party. We also want to encourage people to use the toll-free number printed on the package -- 1-800-TAXI-CAB -- to call a local taxi."

Visit www.GuardianAngel.com for complete list of retailers and participating law enforcement programs.