Experts give tips to stay safe during Super Bowl LIV
Safety remains a concern as Super Bowl LIV in Miami approaches Sunday.
From alcohol safety to stadium protocol, experts are weighing in with tips to keep fans safe during the 2020 Super Bowl.
Don’t drink and drive
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration started a campaign to avoid DUI-related crashes on Super Bowl Sunday. "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk," they remind partygoers.
In 2018, the NHTSA reported 10,511 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers.
While Super Bowl parties and drinking often go together, driving home and drinking do not. A study shows $1.3 billion in sales of beer and cider in the U.S. during Super Bowl weekend and more than $500 million on wine and spirits, respectively. The NHTSA recommends using a designated driver to stay safe on one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
Attend the game safely
The Miami and Miami-Dade police departments have been utilizing Twitter to share tips for those visiting the city for the game, from safety protocol to buyers guides. They also provide updates on road closures leading up to the game.
If you're traveling in the Downtown area, please plan ahead. Biscayne Boulevard will be closed northbound between Southeast 2nd Street to Northeast 4th Street starting Thursday. Avoid the delay and take Northeast 2nd Avenue. pic.twitter.com/rsucJhShJB
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) January 29, 2020
Buyers Beware! If you're in #OurCounty for #SBLIV, follow these safety tips from @ICEgov to avoid counterfeit items:
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) January 29, 2020
✅ Buy from official stores
✅ Official @NFL merchandise will have an NFL hologram on the tag /sticker
✅ If it seems too good to be true, it probably is#SBLIVJIC pic.twitter.com/XmCbxBxE68
Visitors should also keep in mind Florida laws, especially the 2019 "Florida Hands-Free Act," legislation that limits cellphone use while driving. Also observe stadium policies. Hard Rock Stadium will not permit tailgating in the parking lot and has a clear bag policy to help ensure the safety of football fans.
If you see something, say something
The National Human Trafficking Hotline has reported receiving a "slight uptick" in calls during Super Bowl weekend compared with a regular one.
In 2019, the year the Falcons hosted the Super Bowl, there were 222 cases reported in Georgia. Most cases were related to sex trafficking.
This year, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody joined with representatives from the hotel industry, Uber and Lyft in a conference prior to the Miami Super Bowl. They went over protocol about how to recognize and prevent trafficking.
"We're enlisting people to help law enforcement. Most of the cases begin with anonymous tips. That's how we'll catch these guys." —Ashley Moody, Florida attorney general
Also noted, however, was the reality that trafficking is a nationwide problem and is not just limited to Super Bowl host cities.
Experts encourage those enjoying the Super Bowl festivities to stay alert and report anything suspicious that they observe.
To reach the human trafficking hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
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