Public health and law enforcement officials in Benton County are asking football fans to plan ahead for a safe trip home as the season heads into its final weeks.
Game days often bring tailgates, watch parties and crowded sports bars, and alcohol is part of the celebration for many fans. Public health officials in Benton and Lane counties say that drinking raises the risk of impaired driving, injuries, violence and other harm. They’re encouraging fans of the Beavers, the Ducks or any NFL team to think about more than the final score.
“Football games are a great opportunity to come together and celebrate our favorite sports teams, but alcohol doesn’t always have to be the focus,” said Suzie Beaupre, alcohol and drug prevention and education program coordinator for Benton County Public Health. “We need a new way to think about alcohol, as many of us cross the line into drinking too much, partly because society makes it so easy.”
More than 2,500 Oregonians die each year from alcohol-related causes. Those causes include cancer, heart disease, liver disease, violence and vehicle crashes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counts both binge drinking and heavy drinking as excessive. For men, binge drinking means five or more standard drinks on one occasion; for women, it means four or more. For men, heavy drinking means 15 or more drinks a week; for women, it means eight or more. Heavy drinking is the pattern linked to long-term health damage.
Officials say the harm from excessive drinking reaches beyond the drinker. Alcohol-related crashes, injuries and violence can affect families, bystanders and whole communities.
Local enforcement numbers show the problem is ongoing. Over Halloween weekend, the Benton County Regional Traffic Team made 23 DUII arrests on county roads. The team includes deputies, police officers and troopers from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Philomath Police Department, Corvallis Police Department, Albany Police Department and Oregon State Police. It regularly runs extra patrols on game days, holiday weekends and other dates known for heavy drinking.
“These statistics prove impaired driving continues to be a problem in our community,” said Lt. Toby Bottorff of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. “Whether you’re rooting for the Ducks or the Beavers, remember that after the game, we’re all on the same team. Getting home safely is what matters. Expect extra law enforcement on the roads looking for impaired and unsafe drivers. Make a plan, drive sober and protect our community.”
Health officials suggest a few simple steps for game day:
- Line up a designated driver, or use public transit, a taxi or a rideshare service.
- Keep track of how much you drink.
- Eat food and drink water.
- Consider nonalcoholic beverages.
- Watch out for friends and help them get home safely.
- Set a good example with alcohol around children and teens.
Officials say they’re not telling people to stop drinking. Instead, they’re asking residents to think about the role alcohol plays in their own lives and communities.
The Oregon Health Authority’s Rethink the Drink campaign at rethinkthedrink.com has more information, including tools for tracking drinking. Anyone struggling with alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder can get free, confidential help by calling 1-800-923-4357.