Super Bowl Fans Asked to Play It Safe and Plan Ahead

ALBANY, NY (02/05/2010)(readMedia)-- For this year's Super Bowl, leaders of three state agencies today called on New Yorkers to have their own game plan for a safe celebration that does not include impaired driving or problem gambling. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days to be on the road, as too many impaired drivers make their way home after the party. It is also one of the biggest gambling days of the year.

State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner David J. Swarts and Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer today urged New Yorkers not to mix alcohol and driving and also to be aware of the signs of problem gambling.

OASAS Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said, "This Sunday's celebrations can end in tragedy if people consume alcohol and drive. All New Yorkers need to be proactive and do their part to prevent these tragedies."

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can negatively affect a person's judgment, reasoning, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired driving can be prevented: plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver; take public transportation or call a friend for a ride; follow prescription dosage and heed their warnings; take keys away from those who are impaired; and plan to drive impaired drivers home or report suspected impaired drivers to police.

"And this is a time when awareness of problem gambling behaviors can also save individuals and families from serious consequences. Super Bowl activities can be safe and fun when celebrated responsibly," continued Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo.

Unlike an addiction to alcohol and drugs where there are physical warning signs, problem gambling is a hidden addiction that affects nearly one million New Yorkers, according to OASAS data. Betting on lottery games, sports events and cards were the top three gambling opportunities that those that have a problem most frequently engaged in.

Warning signs that someone may have a gambling problem include: betting more money than planned, being preoccupied with gambling, lying about gambling behaviors and relying on others for financial bailouts to fund their gambling behaviors.

According to DMV, in New York over the past five years there were 83 alcohol-related crashes occurred during Super Bowl Sunday, five of them were fatalities.

A STOP-DWI crackdown period, which is the first of seven statewide enforcement sweeps planned for the year, began February 1 and will continue through February 8. Law enforcement agencies will be out in force statewide to deter impaired driving and ensure the safety of our roadways.

DMV Commissioner Swarts said, "STOP-DWI crackdowns have helped to significantly reduce alcohol-related fatalities and injuries, but there are still too many lives lost in crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. The Super Bowl is a great American tradition, and we want all New Yorkers to enjoy the game and not have the day marred by a senseless tragedy because someone chose to drink and drive. Our message is simple: drinking and driving is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

A statewide underage problem gambling public service announcement will be airing at all of the Authority's 27 travel plazas along the Thruway System starting this week.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Fleischer said, "The Thruway Authority is proud to partner with OASAS to help heighten awareness of problem gambling. Additionally, as a member of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and a leading state transportation agency, the Authority continually works to reminds motorists that drunk driving is a problem which is preventable. Motorists are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. These actions will help ensure a safe and incident-free game day."

If you have an alcohol, substance abuse or gambling problem, reach out for help and a life in recovery through New York's free, 24-hour HOPEline at 1-800-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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