Be A 'Super' Hero, Be A Designated Driver

While neither of the teams playing in this Sunday's Super Bowl are local franchises, Bay Area police plan to crack down on drunken driving and ensure "super" doesn't turn to "stupor."

Marin's Avoid the 13 DUI Task Force will be deploying special roving DUI patrols on Feb. 5 throughout the county hoping to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. 

“We are asking all party hosts and bar owners to take extra good care of designated sober drivers this year," San Rafael Police Chief Diana Bishop said.  "Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win.”

The Avoid DUI Patrols are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Those who are hosting a Super Bowl party are advised to make sure all attendees have sober designated drivers.

One option for those who have had too many to drink is to phone AAA for a free ride home after the game through the organization's "Tipsy Tow" program, which is open to everyone — AAA member and non-member alike.

Potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to 10 miles by saying "I need a Tipsy Tow."

The free tows will be available from 6 p.m. Super Bowl Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday.

San Francisco police Sgt. Neil Swendsen simply recommends that you sweeten the deal for designated drivers by giving them the royal treatment:

"Give them the best seats to watch the game and the first passes at the buffet table," Swendsen said in a statement, adding "make sure their cars aren't blocked in when it's time to leave."

— Bay City News Service contributed to this article