MICHIGAN — As the Super Bowl approaches, the Michigan Department of Transportation has made several recommendations in order to keep roads safe.

“Defense wins championships; your best defense is to plan for a sober ride,” said the Department of Transportation. “From taxis and ride shares to public transportation and designated drivers, run the play that will score you home safely.”

Their tips are centered around avoiding drunk driving, which accounted for nearly 41% of all road fatalities on Michigan roadways in 2024 according to the 2024 Michigan Annual Drunk Driving Audit by the Michigan State Police.

“Super Bowl parties are some of the most attended gatherings among friends and family, so keeping safety in mind is essential,” said the Michigan Department of Transportation.

And with Super Bowl parties comes drinking and, unfortunately, drinking and driving.

“Super Bowl Sundays have regularly seen higher traffic fatalities over the years,” said the National Transportation Safety Board.

“According to an analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 46% of the 244 traffic deaths during the 12-hour period on the five Super Bowl Sundays were alcohol-related (that is, the police considered at least one driver involved in the crash to be impaired by alcohol, or the driver tested positive for alcohol in their system).

“What about the Sundays one week before and one week after the five targeted Super Bowl Sundays? Alcohol-related traffic fatalities were 74% higher on Super Bowl Sunday compared to the week before, and 82% higher than the following week.”

The Department of Transportation is trying to change that, with a goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries on Michigan roads.

“There’s no place on the road for anyone who has been drinking. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to ride the bench until you help them find a sober ride home,” said the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.