Accident Risks Increase over Super Bowl Weekend

With large numbers of intoxicated drivers – some victorious, some dejected – heading home, it should be no surprise to any San Fernando Valley car accident lawyer that accident rates increase after the Super Bowl game. This weekend, the scene will be no different. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is already warning fans to make plans to get home safe after the game.

According to one study conducted in 2003 by the University of Toronto, there was a 41% increase in motor vehicle accidents in the hours immediately after the Super Bowl. The study was based on data from between 1975 and 2001. Researchers found that the hour immediately after the game was the most dangerous, with a 70% increased risk of accidents.

Even more interestingly, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the largest increase in auto accidents was recorded in the home states of the losing teams in the game. In these states, the number of accidents increased by approximately 68% after the end of the game. In contrast, fans in winner states were much more likely to get home safely, presumably to continue their happy celebrations at home. In these states, there was a 6% increase in accidents after the game.

Whether you are a home state fan, cheer for the rejected team, or like many Californians plan to remain neutral, stay safe after the game. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is especially calling on Super Bowl party hosts, as well as organizers of parties at restaurants, hotels and other venues to make sure that guests get home safely. The best way to do this is making sure that your guests have designated drivers before the game, or by arranging rides.