It's that time of year again-game day has arrived. Family and friends will gather to celebrate and cheer on their favorite team during tomorrow's Super Bowl Sunday. However, party-goers should take extra special care when traversing the roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a huge percentage of drunk-driving auto accidents occur on Super Bowl Sunday.

According to the most recent statistics, alcohol accounted for 36 percent of all traffic deaths across the state of Maryland in 2010. Luckily, Maryland police will be out on the roads this year to help curb drunk-driving auto accidents and injuries.

Maryland State Police Superintendent and Colonel Marcus L. Brown of the Maryland State Police says each of the 22 barracks will deploy additional patrols in order to "arrest those who choose to disregard the law and who endanger the lives of everyone," he says.

Police says that individuals can also help do their part to combat drunk driving. Party goers are encouraged to try and plan in advance in order to avoid getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking. Assigning a designated driver, locating the number of a nearby taxi service, crashing at a hotel or the party destination are several ways people can help make the roads safer this weekend.

A nationwide campaign is also taking place to encourage safe driving this Sunday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has kicked off a Super Bowl Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign that will run through February 6, 2012. Communities can access and download marketing materials to distribute to residents and businesses.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, A Super weekend to drink responsibly, Feb 3, 2012