• 23
  • January
    2012

After the exciting NFL conference championship games, the field has been set for Super Bowl XLVI, which takes place on Sunday, February 5th in Indianapolis. Excited football fans already know that the New York Giants will face the New England Patriots to determine the champions of the 2011 NFL season.

Giants' fans are undoubtedly hoping for a repeat of the 2008 Super Bowl, in which the team defeated the previously unbeaten Patriots. As family and friends gather together to watch the game (and, of course, the commercials), they need to keep in mind that law enforcement will be out in full force on Super Bowl Sunday to keep drunk drivers off the roads.

State and federal agencies have prepared extensive advertising campaigns informing impaired motorists of the extra DWI patrols that will be in force that weekend. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made Super Sunday a part of its holiday ad campaign, and has prepared commercials that will be available to local law enforcement agencies.

Last year, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department conducted a roadblock using its mobile DWI command posts after the Super Bowl to check for impaired drivers. Over 800 drivers were checked for signs of intoxication, and five arrests were made. One of the individuals also was charged with a Leandra's Law violation because children were present in the vehicle.

Those who are charged with a DWI face a wide range of potential punishments. Offenders will have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles, and may face the loss of their driving privileges. Repeat offenders will face enhanced penalties, including high fines as well as extensive jail time.

As the football season comes to an end, be sure to celebrate safely. If you have to drive to a Super Bowl party, have a designated driver in place if you decide to drink. A DWI conviction is a life-changing experience. If you are charged with driving under the influence, do not simply plead guilty hoping that it will make the matter go away, because you will only make matters worse.