Local law enforcement officers are advising football fans to buckle up and make a game plan for a sober ride home.

During Super Bowl weekends 2007-09, there were 1,804 motor vehicle crashes in Minnesota, resulting in five deaths and 28 severe injuries. Three of the five deaths occurred on Super Bowl Sunday — two of which were alcohol-related. Only one of the five motorists killed was belted. During this same time period, 1,405 motorists were arrested for driving while intoxicated.

“Super Bowl festivities typically start midday and last for several hours, so designate your sober drivers well before the party starts,” said Lt. J.D. Carlson.

Carlson emphasized that officers will also be watching carefully for seat belt violations. Each year, 75 percent of the drunken drivers killed are not buckled.

“It’s the law that everyone in the vehicle, in every seating position, buckles up. Wearing a seat belt and driving sober is the best game plan for a safe Super Bowl weekend,” Carlson said.

During 2007-09 in Freeborn County, there were 26 traffic deaths and of those, five were alcohol-related. During this same time period, 542 were arrested for DWI in Freeborn County. Each year in Minnesota, alcohol-related crashes account for more than 140 traffic deaths and 30,000-pluse motorists are arrested for DWI.

Carlson said party hosts should review the rules with their guests prior to kickoff:

• Either use a sober driver, cab, public transportation or plan to crash at the party.

• Require every driver and passenger to fasten their seat belt before hitting the road.

• If someone plans to drive home after drinking, throw a flag and find them a sober ride home.