(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — As residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley prepare for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagle authorities on both sides of the river are urging people to celebrate responsibly.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said in an effort to keep roadways safe Sunday, troopers will be cracking down on impaired drivers.

“Safe driving is a shared responsibility, and it begins with making smart choices,” OSHP Superintendent Colonel Charles A. Jones said in a release. “Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and do your part to prevent the devastating consequences of impaired driving.”

The release said last year’s Super Bowl reporting period was the deadliest in five years. It said from 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, to 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, there were four fatal crashes on Ohio roadways. Additionally, it said there were 126 crash-related injuries in that same timeframe. Of those injuries, 10 were OVI-related, resulting in troopers making 25 OVI arrests.

On the West Virginia side, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind football fans everywhere that “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”

“Super Bowl is a special night each year for our community to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads,” Director of the GHSP Jack McNeely said in a release. “The biggest key to keeping everyone safe on our roads during and after the Big Game is to plan ahead. We want everyone to enjoy watching their teams play during the Super Bowl, but we also want to make sure everyone is responsible while driving on West Virginia’s roadways,”

The release said if you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP and commit to a sober evening. It said if attending a party or are at a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the nonalcoholic drinks. It said your positive influence could help keep others on the right track. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely, the release said.

“Drunk driving can have a range of consequences, including the possibility of causing a traumatic crash. These crashes could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries or even death. Help set up your team, your friends, family and other partygoers, for a night of success by making sure no one drives themselves home after drinking,” Division Manager of the GHSP Amy Boggs said in a release.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control wants to remind adults to prioritize safety, social responsibility and responsible consumption during Super Bowl Sunday. The group said whether you plan on hosting friends or gathering at your local establishment, setting a tone of safety and responsibility helps to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

“As excitement builds for Super Bowl Sunday, we encourage all Ohioans to celebrate responsibly,” DOLC Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said in a release. “Our goal is to foster safe and enjoyable celebrations, whether by promoting responsible alcohol consumption, providing creative non-alcoholic options, or emphasizing safe transportation planning. As gameday approaches, we urge Ohioans to always keep safety and responsibility at the forefront of their minds.”

DCC Superintendent Jim Canepa said it’s vitally important that any adult who chooses to use cannabis products understands the responsibility and obligation they have to use good judgement to help ensure the safety of those around them.

“Whether it’s on Super Bowl Sunday or any other day of the year, cannabis products must stay out of the hands of minors, and adults who choose to use these products should always do so in a responsible, safe and legal manner,” Canepa said.

The public is encouraged to contact local law enforcement if they see any dangerous driving. Residents in Ohio can call #677 to report any dangerous driving.