SEATTLE — Super Bowl 59 was definitely top of mind for many throughout Western Washington, even if you aren’t an Eagles or Chiefs fan. Many people threw Super Bowl watch parties or headed out to the bars to watch the game.
“You know, it’s a long game and I don’t want to be like shwasted,” Andrew, a Chiefs fan, said.
Andrew’s comments bring us to our next point: how are all these fans going to get home post-Super Bowl? Washington State Patrol is out and about monitoring all major highways for any impaired drivers.
“Obviously, we are looking for impaired drivers tonight, 24/7, 365,” Trooper Rick Johnson said. “And we want people to understand that it’s not just alcohol,” he continued.
Trooper Johnson says last Super Bowl Sunday in 2024 troopers arrested 16 drivers suspected of DUI in King County alone. Johnson says everyone who went to the bars or a watch party find a ride home through Lyft, Uber, a Taxi, public transit, a designated driver, anything to ensure no one is impaired behind the wheel.
“If something horrible happens, it doesn’t only affect the person who has caused the accident. It affects families of those that are injured, it affects the families of those that have caused this,” Trooper Johnson said.
Johnson also argues those who decide to drive impaired could live with the consequences forever.
“It not only affects someone’s insurance….you know, potential litigation, Trooper Johnson said, “It’s definitely tens of thousands of dollars if you end up getting arrested for something like that,” he continued.
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