February 2, 2026

This Super Bowl weekend, be a real MVP: Keep friends from driving impaired

Hanover Park, IL – Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Hanover Park Police Department is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive impaired.

“To ensure everyone has a good time on Super Bowl night, we are reminding our community residents and guests to plan for a safe ride home,” said Deputy Chief Victor DiVito. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk with the choice to drive impaired.”

Extra patrols and enforcement will be conducted from Friday, Feb. 6, through the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 9.

Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you. Also, sober driving isn’t the only law to follow. No matter where you are seated in a vehicle, you must wear a seat belt. Distracted driving and speeding will get you a citation.

If you’re heading out for a night of Super Bowl fun, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

• Drunk, high, or impaired by other drugs, it doesn’t matter. It is never okay to drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. If you’ve taken medication that can cause drowsiness or slow reaction time, choose a sober ride.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.
• Always buckle up!

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is administered and funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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