Most people look forward to the fall season as college and professional football teams take to the gridiron throughout the country. Part of the football festivities often involves parties and drinking alcoholic beverages, not only at games but also at bars and private homes.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) says, “Drunk driving impacts every American, every day. The statistics are horrifying. The danger is real, and it can wreck life-changing devastation, anytime, anywhere, in the blink of an eye. The destruction ripples out, impacting two out of three people in their lifetime.”

Many Florida universities encourage football enthusiasts to not drink and drive. MADD has also teamed up with the NFL to encourage fans to have designated drivers.

“If you or a loved one is planning on viewing football games, and alcohol is part of the plan, please be responsible. Here are some suggestions for pre-planning for both hosts and party-goers,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Tips for Hosts from MADD:

• Do not serve alcohol to underage guests.
• If your gathering is going to have underage guests in attendance, be sure that no alcohol is served to these guests, under any circumstances.
• Do not sell alcohol at your party.
• Selling alcohol, even to drinking age guests, can create substantial liability.
• Offer non-alcoholic options and food.
• It’s important to be sure to offer non-alcoholic beverages and filling foods for guests to snack on throughout the night.
• Give wristbands to those of legal age at larger gatherings.
• If your party is on the larger side and you are planning to have underage guests present, it’s best to get wristbands for those of legal age and have guests put them on upon entering the party.
• Encourage guests to arrange safe methods for returning home, early in the evening.

Be sure that guests either have a designated driver or an alternate, safe plan to get home. In addition, it’s smart to keep the number for a cab company handy along with some available cash for guests who may need to borrow money for the fare.

Tips for Party-Goers from MADD

• Book an Uber
• Take a cab
• Take public transportation
• Arrange a designated driver
• Plan to spend the night.

“Pre-planning for football enjoyment is a must for everyone. We have seen the devastation that is caused by drunk and/or drugged driving. Please enjoy your time and be responsible,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.77