Watch For Extra Patrols Sunday For Alcohol Use

Super Bowl Sunday has been compared to a national holiday, prompting an increase in patrols to combat the rise in drinking and driving.

Overton Sheriff John Garrett said the Super Bowl has traditionally led to an increase in arrests. Garrett said patrols will be increased to try and impact behavior.

“Major sporting events especially, you have people who are inclined to celebrate these events or holidays and they chose to drink alcohol in celebration of these events,” Garrett said. “But if they would just be responsible, everyone could enjoy a safe and happy holiday.”

Garret said the Super Bowl can be compared to holidays like the Fourth of July or Labor Day but said cooler temperatures tend to help curb excessive drinking, unlike warmer days when people are more inclined to drink.

“One of the summertime holidays where folks would be more inclined to say go to a lake, or go to a pool party, or something like that for a celebration,” Garrett said. “And with the warmer weather, I believe you would have more folks consuming alcohol than Super Bowl Sunday.”

Garrett said everything comes down to being responsible. Garrett also said he urges everyone who is not drinking alcohol to remain safe and use good judgment because there are people out there who could ruin your Sunday afternoon.

“Traditionally, an uptick in folks who consume alcohol at these events,” Garrett said. “And then unfortunately they use some bad judgment and get out on the road.”