The Super Bowl is America's most popular national sporting event. All across the country, millions of people gather to socialize and watch the big game.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office has joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) and the National Football League (NFL) to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday - Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.

"This message is for everyone who will be drinking during the big game. Make the right play and pass your keys to a designated driver so they can get you home safely," said Sgt. Matt A. Kinsinger. "The men and women of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office will be out to stop anyone who decides to drink and drive."

In 2010, alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. Driving while impaired could result in a loss of your driver's license or even possibly the loss of your or someone else's life.

On Super Bowl Sunday, make it a team effort to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. If you plan on driving, plan not to drink alcohol.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
o Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
o Serve plenty of food.
o Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water.
o Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
o Determine ahead of time when you'll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the party ends or at the end of the third quarter (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
o Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.
o Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.
o Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.
o Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant, please follow these guidelines to make sure you enjoy Super Bowl XLVI responsibly:
o Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
o Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself-eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
o If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
o Always buckle up - it's the best defense against other drunk driving.