PHOENIX— This weekend many will gather together to enjoy watching the big game and all the festivities that surround the Super Bowl, including food and alcohol. Recently, advocates for responsible drinking partnered with a tortilla chip company to create a bag to help users know if they’ve consumed alcohol and should find a designated driver for the trip home. The bags aren’t sold in grocery stores, but if they do make it to a party you’re attending it’s important to remember they’re only a tool, not a defense for drinking and driving. In Arizona we are a strict liability state for DUI enforcement, which means a person does not need to know they are impaired or their alcohol level to be charged with driving under the influence.
“At the point you are blowing into a bag of chips you’re already questioning your ability to drive sober, make the right choice and find a sober driver to get you home safe,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Any product you can use to test your sobriety should be used only to raise awareness of impaired driving. If someone decides to drink and drive they need to understand they will be held fully accountable.”
Law enforcement across Maricopa County will have increased DUI enforcement this weekend. Officers will be looking for any drivers who show signs of being impaired to the slightest degree. If charged with driving while under the influence you will face jail time, a loss of your license, and thousands of dollars in fines.