Insurance Insight: Tips For Throwing A Safe Football Party

Just like everyone, I love watching athletic events with my family and friends. I will always show support for my local teams, but it’s good to practice safety at these events. No matter if you’re cooking out at home or at your favorite tailgating spot it’s important to be responsible.

Everyone loves a party with friends to watch the big game but some take partying too far. Forty percent of the vehicle-related deaths that occurred after the big game in 2010 were due to drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Insurance is about more than protection; it’s about making smarter decisions to keep yourself, your family, and others as safe. Of course, we can’t predict or control everything, but in the case of enjoying the festivities surrounding your favorite sporting event, there are decisions you can make to stay safe and responsible.

With that in mind, these are suggestions hosts and their guests need to know to keep the party and the ride home safer. Some may seem like no-brainers while others you may have never considered. In either case, it’s valuable information to be smarter while you party on game day.

Tips for the Home Team

• Serve plenty of food to help offset the effects of alcohol. A full stomach can slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Salty snacks can make people feel thirsty, so set a pitcher of water on the table as well.
• Stock coolers with non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and other guests who aren’t drinking. Water, juice, soda pop – give your guests plenty of alternatives.
• Stop serving alcoholic beverages when the fourth quarter begins. Give your guests an extra hour or two without alcohol before they head out the door.
• Avoid offering mixed beverages. Some mixers cause the body to absorb alcohol faster, and most make alcohol easier to drink.
• Reward designated drivers with perks like the prime parking spot or first dibs on seating near the big screen.
• Limit the number of drinks you yourself enjoy.
• Help your guests make travel arrangements with a designated driver or taxi. Make sure guests feel comfortable spending the night, if necessary.
• Never serve minors.

Tips for the Visiting Team

• Leave your keys at home if you plan to drink. Arrange to have a designated driver pick you up and take you home, make plans to stay overnight or plan ahead and input a cab company’s number on your phone.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• If you’re sober, keep an eye on friends who are drinking. Don’t be afraid to take away their keys. If the person gets angry, it’s probably proof you’re doing the right thing.
• Extend a kind gesture to your designated driver, such as offering to pay for gas.
• Watch for drunk drivers during your ride home, and report suspects to the police.
• Always wear your seatbelt.

Remember, have fun as you cheer on your team.  Enjoy all the time with friends and family, and those amazing seats. Just do so responsibly.