Stay Safe This MLB Season: Responsible Drinking and Safe Driving Tips
Your game plan to make every sporting event memorable for the right reasons by avoiding a DUI.
Major League Baseball season is finally here, and there's nothing quite like heading to the ballpark to enjoy a game with friends. For many fans, part of the experience includes having a few beers or drinks while cheering on your favorite team. But nothing can ruin your day at the ballpark like getting pulled over for a DUI after the game is over. It’s important to understand the importance of responsible drinking and safe driving during the MLB season. Here’s our game plan for safe driving tips for sporting events.
Understanding the Risks of Impaired Driving
Many fans underestimate how quickly alcohol can impair their ability to drive safely. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that approximately 8 percent, or about one in twelve, fans leave major sporting events legally intoxicated, with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels at or above the legal limit of 0.08 percent (.05 in Utah).
Impaired driving significantly increases your risk of causing a serious accident. Alcohol slows your reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces coordination, skills essential for safe driving. When you get behind the wheel after drinking, you're not only risking your own safety but also endangering other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road.
Responsible Alcohol Consumption Guidelines at Games
It is possible to drink responsibly and have fun; you may just need to follow these safe driving tips for sporting events:
- Pace yourself during the game. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or soda.
- Make sure you eat food throughout the event.
- Avoid binge drinking (five or more drinks in a short period), as this increases impairment dramatically.
- Be aware of your limits. If you're feeling buzzed or tipsy, it's already too late to drive safely.
Don't rely on how you "feel,” alcohol can impair your judgment and trick you into thinking you're okay when you're not.
Why Is Choosing a Designated Driver Important?
One of the best ways to ensure everyone gets home safely after enjoying a few drinks at an MLB game is by choosing a designated driver before heading out. This person agrees ahead of time to stay sober throughout the game and drive everyone home afterward.
Many MLB stadiums even offer incentives for designated drivers. Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies provide free non-alcoholic beverages and special promotions for fans who volunteer as designated drivers during games.
Avoiding a DUI After Sporting Events
If no one in your group wants to volunteer as a designated driver, there are plenty of other safe transportation alternatives available after professional baseball games. Follow these MLB fan safety tips:
- Rideshare Services: Apps like Uber and Lyft typically have designated pick-up and drop-off points near stadiums.
- Public Transportation: Many stadiums are accessible by bus or train routes that run frequently on game days.
- Taxi Services: Taxi stands are often conveniently located near stadium exits.
- Walking: If your hotel or home is nearby, walking can be an easy option. Make sure you're sober enough to navigate safely.
- Special Stadium Shuttles: Some cities offer free shuttle services specifically for baseball games; in 2024, Los Angeles provided free Dodger Stadium Express buses from several locations around the city.
Planning ahead and following these safe driving tips for sporting events will help you find reliable transportation when you need it most and eliminate any temptation to drive impaired.
Legal Consequences of Drinking and Driving
Sometimes, even with the best intentions to demonstrate responsible drinking at sports events, you may get carried away and overindulge in alcohol. Driving under the influence carries serious legal consequences. A DUI conviction can result in hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory alcohol education classes, probation periods, community service hours, increased insurance premiums, and even jail time. For more information about the DUI journey, please refer to these FAQs from DUI.org.
If, after attending an MLB game or other sporting event, you’re convicted of a DUI, courts may require offenders to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in their vehicles as part of sentencing requirements. These devices measure breath alcohol concentration before allowing your vehicle's engine to start.
How Intoxalock Can Help You Meet Court Requirements
If you're facing court-imposed DUI requirements following an impaired driving conviction, Intoxalock ignition interlock devices can help you meet these obligations while regaining driving privileges responsibly.
Intoxalock devices help drivers comply with anti-drunk driving laws by ensuring your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) is below the legal limit before starting your vehicle. With the largest nationwide installation network and reliable customer support, Intoxalock helps thousands comply with court mandates each year, getting you back on track safely.
Enjoying baseball season responsibly means following safe driving tips for sporting events. Make smart choices about drinking alcohol at games and plan ahead so everyone arrives home safely afterward. But if responsible drinking at sporting events is a challenge, the Intoxalock team will be by your side to help you install an IID and stay compliant with your court obligations if you get a DUI.
With over 5,200 locations nationwide and top-rated devices designed for easy use, Intoxalock is here to make the process as smooth as possible.If you need help today, talk to one of our state specialists by calling 888-283-5899.
