One of the biggest party events of them all is scheduled for this weekend - Super Bowl Sunday, the annual matchup that decides who will take home the coveted title of the National Football League's best team.
The game itself promises to be a good one, as Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos square off against the nearly unbeaten Carolina Panthers, helmed by quarterback Cam Newton.
The big game has really taken on a life of its own over the past several years, not only as the most-watched television event, but also for its gatherings, where Americans celebrate with good food and drink. So much food, in fact, an estimated 1.3 billion chicken wings will be devoured during the game's proceedings, according to the National Chicken Council.
At the same time, though, with alcohol also on the menu at many parties this Sunday, the Super Bowl is one of the most dangerous times to be on the roads, due to fans having one beer too many but driving nevertheless. This can spell trouble not only for motorists, but also the party's hosts should a guest leave and end up in a drunken driving accident.
Drinking violations soar during Super Bowl weekend
On Feb. 1 of last year, the date of Super Bowl XLIX, drinking violations more than quadrupled in Massachusetts and Oregon, the two states whose NFL teams were playing in the big game, according to data collected by Alcohol Monitoring Systems. In fact, in the six states that comprise the New England region, drunk driving violations were five times higher than the rest of the United States.
It's with this in mind that the Insurance Information Institute reminds party hosts to be mindful of what they serve on Sunday, as depending on the state, they may be financially culpable should a drunk driving accident result in injury or worse.
"Nearly 40 states have social host liability laws that can make hosts financially responsible, if one of their guests is in an accident after leaving the event," said Michael Barry, vice president of the III.
If you're hosting a Super Bowl party this year, contact your local legislator to find out more about whether your state has social host liability laws on the books. Additionally, you may also want to reach out to your homeowners insurance provider so you can financially protect yourself. As noted by the III, most policies include liquor liability coverage, but the amount you have may not be adequate. An umbrella insurance policy can supply you with extra protection.
