CHP plans to be vigilant this weekend.

Households and restaurants across Santa Clarita Valley are preparing for a day of football, food, and fun on Super Bowl Sunday, however the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is anticipating the uglier side of the celebration; drunk drivers.

As they usually do on holiday weekends, CHP officers on our local freeways are pledging to offer no slack for motorists believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We’re not discouraging celebration,” said Mark Odle, commander of the CHP’s Newhall Station. “We’re asking fans to plan ahead, make the right choice, and not get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.”

11 people were killed last Super Bowl Sunday in alcohol related accidents across the state, and 163 more were injured. On top of that, 403 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence. While the numbers actually marked a slight improvement from 2008, the fact remains that deadly collisions are still twice as common on Super Bowl Sunday than normal days.

Odle encourages all celebrators to designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.

The motoring public can also do their part; the CHP says that callers can report possible drunk drivers by calling 911 and providing a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.