While enjoying alcoholic beverages is a common part of fan culture, it's crucial to understand the potential consequences of drinking and driving, particularly the risk of DUI charges. Learn why you should be mindful of your limits and how to avoid a DUI arrest this football season.
Alcohol Consumption Is a Part of Football Fan Culture
Alcohol consumption has long been intertwined with football fan culture, creating a potentially dangerous mix of celebration and impaired judgment. Many fans begin their game day festivities by pregaming, which involves consuming alcohol before the main event.
This often takes the form of tailgating, where fans gather in parking lots or nearby areas to eat, drink, and socialize before the game. A 2023 study by American Addiction Centers (AAC) found that nearly a third of fans engage in pregaming and consume about three or more beers before the game even starts.
Despite efforts to curb excessive drinking, alcohol sales remain a significant part of the stadium experience. Sports bars and even hosts of home viewing parties also serve alcohol to their guests, and while they are supposed to implement measures to stop overconsumption, sometimes fans can overdo it.
The association between football and alcohol is reinforced by pervasive advertising. Beer companies are major sponsors of NFL teams and events, with Anheuser-Busch InBev alone spending over $350 million annually on NFL advertising [7]. This constant exposure helps normalize the connection between football and drinking in the minds of fans.
While alcohol can enhance the social experience for many fans, it's important to recognize the potential risks associated with this culture of consumption. The combination of emotional investment in the game, peer pressure, and readily available alcohol can lead to overconsumption and impaired decision-making, particularly when it comes to driving after the event.
California DUI Charges
In California, as in all states, driving under the influence is a serious offense. You should know the following information about California DUIs:
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers.
- For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.01%.
- Commercial drivers have a limit of 0.04%.
- First-time offenders can face fines of up to $1,000, license suspension for up to 6 months, and potential jail time.
- Penalties increase for subsequent offenses and can include longer license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
How Many Drinks Is a 0.08% BAC?
While NFL games are supposed to last an hour, on average, they last three hours and 12 minutes. Research suggests that about two to four drinks consumed in an hour can place a person at or above the .08 limit. For every standard 12-ounce alcoholic drink a 220 lb. man consumes, his BAC will raise 0.017.
Look at this data from the AAC concerning how much alcohol is consumed by fans based on their viewing location:
- 66.8% of fans watch from home and consume, on average, 6.2 drinks.
- 15.5% of fans watch from stadium parking lots and consume, on average, 8.4 drinks.
- 15.2% of fans watch at a viewing party and consume, on average, 7.4 drinks.
- 11.4% of fans watch at a bar and consume, on average, 7.3 drinks.
- 6.6% of fans watch from home and consume, on average, 6.2 drinks.
While those at home are not at risk to drink and drive, fans watching the game elsewhere are, and even if they consume below the average amount of drinks while watching the game, pregaming and having a few celebratory drinks can possibly send them over the limit.
A Note on Out-of-State DUI Arrests
It's important to note that DUI laws apply to everyone operating a vehicle within state borders, regardless of residency status. Out-of-state visitors attending football games in California are subject to the same laws and penalties as residents. Additionally, a DUI conviction in California can have consequences in your home state due to interstate agreements.
How to Avoid a DUI Arrest
Consider the following tips for avoiding a DUI while still enjoying the football season:
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.
- Use ride-sharing services. Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get a safe ride home.
- Consider public transportation. Many cities offer extended public transit hours on game days.
- Stay overnight. If you're traveling for a game, book a hotel room nearby.
- Host a house party. Invite friends over to watch the game, ensuring no one needs to drive.
- Pace yourself. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and know your limits.
- Eat and hydrate. Consume food and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the event.
- Wait it out. If you've been drinking, wait several hours before considering driving. However, do not try to sleep it off in your car, as you can still face charges if you are found behind the wheel.
No game is worth the potentially life-altering consequences of a DUI. You can stay safe and still have fun.
Facing DUI Charges? Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to providing aggressive and effective representation to individuals facing DUI allegations. We understand that every DUI case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Get in touch with us online or via phone at (949) 251-0330.