Tailgating, a cherished Southern tradition especially popular during summer events and sports games, brings people together for great food and a friendly, boisterous atmosphere in a parking lot of all places. At a tailgate party, fans gather to grill food, play games, and enjoy drinks, all in the spirit of supporting their favorite teams—and maybe a little razzing against the opposing fans. In Atlanta, you can usually always find a great tailgate party at University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium, and with UGA starting to sell alcohol at their games this season, tailgates there are sure to draw even bigger crowds. It really shows that wherever good people go for a good time, there will be fun to be had, even if the party is in a parking lot.
However, amid the revelry of a tailgate, the importance of safety and responsibility cannot be overstated. Tailgating often involves alcohol consumption, which can raise concerns about drunk driving. If you’re going to a tailgate party soon or plan to host one, you’ll want to keep responsible drinking in mind, so everyone can enjoy the event and get home safely when it’s over.
Preparing for a Safe Tailgate Party
Southern hospitality is not just about welcoming everyone with open arms but also making sure everyone is safe and sound. With this in mind, it makes sense why there is an underlying focus on safety at every tailgate party in Georgia, where some of the greatest sporting events take place. By prioritizing safety, tailgate hosts can create an environment where the fun of tailgating is never slowed down or derailed by danger. Of course, tailgate attendees should keep safety in mind just as much as hosts because, as we have all been taught, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Consider these basic but important tailgate safety tips:
- Designate a driver: Every group at a tailgate should appoint at least one person per vehicle who will stay sober throughout the event to drive others home safely.
- Plan ahead: Create a checklist of essentials for your tailgate, including food, non-alcoholic beverages, water, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and any necessary game day items and team merchandise, of course.
- Understand venue rules: Before the party, check the stadium’s or park’s regulations on alcohol consumption and tailgating activities. UGA has reported that it will allow alcohol sales at its football games in the future, so it’s likely that Sanford Stadium will update its alcohol regulations soon, which should be something you review before you tailgate there.
Drinking Responsibly at the Tailgate
Overdrinking is a leading cause of most accidents associated with tailgating. The relaxed, festive atmosphere of a tailgate party, combined with the excitement of the upcoming game, can sometimes lead fans to consume alcohol more freely than they might otherwise. This excessive consumption increases the risk of accidents, ranging from minor injuries due to falls or mishaps to the more severe and potentially fatal consequences of drunk driving.
To drink responsibly at the tailgate, consider these simple yet effective strategies:
- Pace yourself: Avoid drinking too quickly. Spread out your alcoholic drinks throughout the event.
- Stay hydrated: For every alcoholic drink, try to have a bottle of water, which can reduce the risk of dehydration. Did you know that dehydration can greatly exacerbate the effects of intoxication?
- Eat regularly: Tailgate food is not only a highlight of the party but also helps absorb alcohol. Make sure to eat a good balance of foods throughout the event. Also, if you pace yourself, as advised above, you will find that you have more room for more food—that’s a win-win!
- Know your limits: Be aware of how much you can handle and don’t feel pressured to keep up with others. It’s okay to say no or switch to non-alcoholic options. Your friends and other fans will just be happy to have you there, regardless of how much you drink.
Avoiding Drunk Driving at Summer Events
To avoid drunk driving at summer events, including tailgates, you should:
- Use ridesharing services: Use ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft to get to and from the event safely without the need to drive. For example, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, rideshare drivers usually line up at various points around the stadium in anticipation of people needing rides home after a game.
- Consider public transit: Look into public transportation options available in the area, such as buses, which can offer a safe and cost-effective alternative to driving.
- Preset post-tailgate plans: Arrange your post-event plans before the tailgate begins, such as booking a hotel room nearby or planning to stay with a friend who lives close to the venue. If you caught the Bulldogs game at Sanford Stadium, walk back to your dorm room if you go to University of Georgia, or see if you have a friend who is willing to let you stay at their dorm or fraternity/sorority house.
- Make a buddy system: Pair up with a friend or group of friends to keep each other accountable. Agree to check in with one another throughout the event to ensure everyone remains in good condition to make safe decisions.
- Recognize signs of impairment: Educate yourself and your group on the signs of alcohol impairment. Commit to intervening if someone appears too intoxicated to drive, suggesting alternative ways for them to get home safely.
What to Do After a Tailgate-Related Accident
If you get hit by someone who had too much to drink at a tailgate, know that The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC can help. Attorney Joshua Branch is known as The Athens car accident attorney by locals because of his long history of successful case results, as well as his in-depth understanding of all laws related to car accident claims and lawsuits. If you put us in charge of your case, you’ll be impressed by all the ways our attorneys and support staff can prepare your case, such as gathering evidence, reviewing police reports from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, calculating your damages, attempting to negotiate settlements, and even representing you in court if needed. When a tailgate at Sanford Stadium or any other summer event leads to an accident, let your pursuit of justice lead to our door.
Call (706) 760-9220 or use an online contact form to request a free initial consultation.