Tips Tuesday: Florida School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
January 28, 2026
| Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest days of the year for celebrations – families and friends gather to cook, connect, and watch the big game. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous days on the road. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal crashes involved alcohol-impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022, making it a critical day for planning safe rides. For context, on average, about one third of all traffic crash fatalities in the US involve drunk drivers over the course of a year (source). In Florida, the impact of impaired driving is just as concerning. According to the Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) 2022 data, alcohol-only impaired driving resulted in 5,262 crashes, 3,084 serious injuries, and 423 fatalities – a sobering reminder that decisions made behind the wheel can have lasting consequences. The NHTSA Fans Don’t Let Fans Driving Drunk campaign reinforces a simple yet powerful message: making a plan before kickoff can save lives. Whether attending a watch party, hosting friends, or heading home after the final whistle, every trip counts. Impaired driving doesn’t just affect the driver – it puts passengers, other road users, and first responders at risk. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) supports efforts that encourage safe choices, responsible celebrations, and a roadway culture where everyone can enjoy the Super Bowl and get home safely. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety Use the attached NHTSA Super Bowl LX poster in your office common areas to remind colleagues to celebrate responsibly. Share the attached Target Zero Super Bowl Safety Bingo to enjoy game-day moments and safe decisions made before kickoff and after the final call. Learn more about relevant plans, resources, and legislation at the Florida Impaired Driving Coalition web page. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts Remind neighbors and friends traveling to watch the game of Florida’s open container laws and that impairment can start before a 0.08 BAC. Consider sharing an impactful video from NHTSA with loved ones on the dangers of driving impaired. Teen drivers, people aged 21-to-24, and males tend to be over-represented in these types of crashes (source). A conversation can have a lasting impact and save lives. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida Plan a ride-share, use public transportation, or designate a sober driver if you’ll be traveling and plan to drink. Stay alert and cautious for pedestrians, especially in areas where people may gather to watch the game, such as sports bars and busy, downtown areas. Talk to guests about getting home safely if you’re hosting by encouraging them to choose one of the options above or stay. Intervene if someone does not seem safe to drive; coming from a place of kindness and concern can help someone make the right call and play it safe. Dial 911 or *FHP (347) to report an impaired driver or other emergencies on the road. Let’s make smart plays, plan ahead, and keep safety the top priority long after the final whistle. The real win on Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just what happens on the field – it’s ensuring that everyone gets home safely. Thank you for everything you do to make our roads safer! |
