Though many hosts of Super Bowl parties think that the main thing they need to remember is to have enough to eat and drink, there is one thing that they may be forgetting, which is to review their insurance so that they know who is responsible should their guests drink and drive.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) as the host of a party, it is not only considered to be appropriate and thoughtful to guests to make sure that guests who will be drinking can either stay over or have a safe way to arrive home (for example, a designated driver or a taxi).
The period following the Super Bowl is considered to be one of the most dangerous times of the year to drive due to the number of impaired drivers who are making their way back home following a party at a friend or family member’s house or a bar.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2010, 31 percent of fatal car crashes were linked to driving while under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, on Super Bowl Sunday, almost half (48 percent) of the traffic fatalities involved a driver or motorcycle rider that had a 0.08 or higher blood alcohol concentration.
The primary audience for the Super Bowl and other major sporting events are men between the ages of 21 and 34 years. The NHTSA said that this is also the demographic that is most likely to drive while intoxicated, drive fast, and ride in a car without wearing a seatbelt.
The I.I.I.’s vice president, Loretta Worters cautioned the hosts of Super Bowl parties by saying that “Those throwing a party where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of driving safely.” She went on to say that party hosts would not only not want to let a drunk party guest get behind the wheel when they could cause injury or death to themselves or someone else, but the party hosts could also be held financially responsible.
The legal term for this responsibility is social host liability. It involves a number of different situations that could occur during or following a party in your home. Therefore, if you intend to throw a Super Bowl party, be sure to go over your policy to find out how you are covered.
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