For you die hard Panther’s fans, your favorite time of the year just arrived. Last week, the Panthers kicked off their preseason schedule in front of plenty adoring fans. But most of those fan weren’t just high on life–many had become intoxicated due to too much alcohol. Because drinking just goes with football, many sporting events lead to DWI’s and drunk driving accidents. So if you plan on tailgating this season at home or at the stadium, here’s some tailgating safety tips.
Tailgating Safety Tips
Plan Ahead
One of the best tailgating safety tips is also really simple– plan ahead. In too many cases, people forget just one item. Maybe it’s the chips or the ketchup, or maybe it’s the extra beer. Whatever the item, tailgaters may think they’re okay to run to the store just to pick it up. But really, they are already a few drinks in and in no shape to drive. That quick trip to the store can turn into a DWI arrest or worse– a drunk driving accident. So plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need– before you begin drinking.
Add Plenty of Water to Your Cooler
If you plan on tailgating at the stadium or outside of your home, then you’ll need to pack a cooler. Odds are, you won’t forget the brats or the beer. But you may forget to pack plenty of water and that is even more important. As you drink, you’ll want to alternate between an alcoholic beverage and water. Water keeps you hydrated and helps your body process alcohol correctly. In addition, it also helps reduce hangover symptoms. So one of the more important tailgating safety tips is to make sure you bring plenty of water.
Have a DD
If you plan on drinking during the game, take the safe route and plan to have a DD. While you may not think you’ll have too many, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re at the stadium, you may plan to use a ride service or the light rail. And if you tailgate at a friend’s then ask a friend to take you home.
Stop Drinking During the Game
Of all tailgating safety tips, this may be the hardest to follow. But it’s pretty simple math– if you begin drinking at the tailgate– hours before the game– then continue drinking through the game, you’ll become hammered. Even if you do eat while tailgating to delay your intoxication, you’ll still have a large of amount of alcohol in your system. So a good rule of thumb is to stop drinking during the game and grab some water instead.
Whether you go to the game, or watch with friends on your living room sofa, Panthers games are fun. So don’t spoil that fun by getting a DWI or hurting yourself or someone else in a crash. Stick with these tailgating safety tips to keep the fun safe.
