KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership is teaming up with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to urge football fans to designate a sober driver, call a cab, or use a ridesharing service.

In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. In Indiana, drivers under age 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to one year.

Impaired driving also includes prescription and illegal drugs. Even over-the-counter medication can cause impairment, especially when combined with alcohol or a second drug. Anyone taking a new or higher dose of a drug should speak with their doctor or avoid driving until thy know the effect the medication could have.

“Super Bowl fans need a game plan to get home safely,” said Craig Allebach, Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership grant administrator. “Pass your car keys or be the MVP and kickoff the day as a sober driver. Whether you call it drunk, buzzed, wasted, high or stoned, impaired driving means going to jail and losing your driver’s license. Don’t fumble with your keys after the game. Pass it to a sober driver, or better yet, be a team player and start the game as the designated driver.”

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 about alcohol-impaired driving, visit https://on.IN.gov/buzzeddriving and about drugged driving, visit https://on.in.gov/drivehughDUI.

Sober Driving Tips

With all of today’s options for getting home safely, there’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel impaired as it endangers you and everyone else around you. Law enforcement recommends these safe alternatives to impaired driving:

• Designate, or be, a sober driver.
• Use public transportation.
• Call a cab or a ridesharing service.
• Download the SaferRide mobile app on the Android Play Store or the Apple iTunes store. This app only has three options: call a taxi, call a friend, and identify your location for pickup.
• Celebrate at home or a place where you can stay until sober.
• Throwing a party? Offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food.
• Never provide alcohol to minors.
• Ask young drivers about their plans.
• Friend or family member about to drive? Intercept the keys and make alternate arrangements.

Report Impaired Drivers

Impaired driving is three times more common at night than during the day. If you see an impaired driver, turn off the road away from the vehicle and call 911. Signs of impaired driving include:

• Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line
• Driving at a very slow speed
• Braking erratically
• Making wide turns
• Stopping without cause
• Responding slowly to traffic signals
• Driving after dark with headlights off
• Almost striking an object or vehicle
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Turning abruptly or illegally