On Duty with the CHP: Super Bowl Sunday is coming – are you ready for some traffic?
The world’s largest sporting event is coming to California to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Super Bowl has spectacular media frenzy, dramatic finales and – you guessed it – a lot of traffic.
Super Bowl 50 will be played Feb. 7 in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium. Festivities for the 50th playing of the Super Bowl will kick off Jan. 30 with a weeklong series of public events held throughout the region.
Since the Super Bowl is like a national holiday, it is important to start planning now. It is also worth remembering that Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest drinking days of the year.
Incidents of driving under the influence spike, and it is safe to say the CHP will be out looking for those who have been drinking. As always, make a plan on how to get home safely and stick to that plan. Leave early, wear your seat belts and do not drink and drive.
Due to the number of people traveling into and around California at this time, we need to be aware of additional traffic volume on our roadways. In fact, if you can avoid the Bay Area altogether or can postpone your trip until the following weekend, do so and you will be much happier.
If you must travel to the Bay Area, keep the right attitude while stuck in traffic. The right attitude can prevent you from having a bad time. Since there is nothing to do but sit and wait, you might as well enjoy your couple of hours of free time!
Call an audible if need be and take a different route. Stay alert; the play can change at any time and you need to be aware. Sure, you have not moved as much as you wanted to in the time you allotted yourself for travel, but when you start moving, keep in mind traffic may rapidly stop again.
Do not blow your horn in traffic. You cannot move any faster than the vehicle in front of you. Do not contribute to the noise on the roadway due to futile toots of your horn. Be patient. Remain calm.
Take a break when needed. Get a cup of coffee or a snack. Once your nerves are calm, get back in your vehicle and rejoin the ride to the goal line (home).
Real-time traffic information will be provided through posts on Twitter by @CHP_HQ, @CHP_GoldenGate and @CHPSanJose.
Now that you have made it to the party, enjoy the festivities! Root loudly and proudly for your team. Enjoy the food, drinks and the football pools. Make it a positive day whether your team wins or loses.
And remember, don’t drink and drive.
May your enjoyment of the Super Bowl not be affected by the unspeakable horror of football season being over.
Officer Traci Gallian can be reached at tagallian@chp.ca.gov. For more from the CHP Central Division, go to the division’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published January 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM with the headline "On Duty with the CHP: Super Bowl Sunday is coming – are you ready for some traffic?."