ELKHART — Officers from the Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership are huddling up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk reminder to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue.

In conjunction with standard patrols, additional officers from the Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership will be out in an effort to remind motorists to refrain from driving while impaired and to celebrate the Super Bowl responsibly. Impaired driving includes alcohol and prescription or illegal drugs. Even over-the-counter medication may cause impairment when combined with alcohol or a second drug. If you’re taking a new drug or a higher dose, talk with your doctor or don’t drive until you know how it affects you.

Be sure to have a game plan for the night so friends and family know who the designated driver is, and sober designated drivers are the real MVP.  Impaired driving can result in serious crashes, injuries or death. If you don’t have an MVP to make sure everyone get home safely, consider other ride options by utilizing a taxi, public transportation, or ridesharing service.

Sober drivers can tweet @NHTSAgov during the Super Bowl broadcast to be featured on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Wall of Fame. For more information about impaired driving visit http://on.IN.gov/buzzeddriving.

The Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership includes the following agencies from Elkhart County: Elkhart City Police, Goshen City Police, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Nappanee Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Millersburg Police Department and Wakarusa Police Department.