There’s a new twist in the safety messaging in Illinois prior to this year’s Super Bowl: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk — Or Stoned.

With the Super Bowl just around the corner — and with Illinois’ legalization of adult-use marijuana as of Jan. 1 — the Algonquin Police Department and law enforcers throughout Kane County are reminding football fans and partygoers that officers will be out in force on game day to keep impaired drivers off the roads and encourage more people to wear their seat belts.

If your Super Bowl celebration will involve alcohol or cannabis, don’t forget: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”

“Because many Illinoisans watch the Super Bowl with friends while enjoying an array of snacks and adult beverages, it’s important that they plan ahead for safe rides home,” said Algonquin police Sgt. Robert Salazar. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired. Just one is one too many.”

If you’re ready for some Super Bowl fun, make a game plan for a safe and happy time:

• Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• Walking impaired can also be dangerous. If you plan to walk, designate a sober friend to walk you
  home.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend
  home safely.
• Hosting a party? Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages, and make sure all your
  guests have a sober ride home.
• Always buckle up! It’s your best defense in case of a crash.
• The Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal assistance.

SOURCE: Algonquin Police Department news release