Super Bowl Sunday is just days away and, with the Philadelphia Eagles’ return to the field, gatherings of sports enthusiasts across the area are expected to be plentiful. But with the increased celebrations, comes the risk of an increase in drunk drivers.

With that in mind, the Lycoming County DUI Task Force will be stepping up their roving patrols in an effort to keep the roads safe before, during and post-game day.

The task force is made up of officers from several area police forces, including Muncy Township, Muncy Borough, Hughesville, Williamsport, South Williamsport and Lycoming Regional, as well as the Penn College Police Department and the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office.

“Normally, we do have enforcement during these events, but since it’s a home state team, we wanted to kind of put a couple more guys out there, just in case,” said Sgt. Robert Cochran, of the Lycoming Regional Police Department, who also acts as coordinator for the Lycoming County DUI Task Force.

Although drunk driving incidents tend to occur more around major holidays and events including Mardi Gras and the Fourth of July, Cochran said it’s important to understand that impaired drivers may be hitting the streets at any point.

“Most people don’t necessarily realize it, but every day is a day somebody could be out on the road, possibly posing a hazard to other people,” he said.

Cochran urged those partaking in big game festivities this weekend to not risk what many write off as “buzzed driving.”

“If you feel you’re even remotely unable to drive at 100%, you shouldn’t be driving,” he stressed.

“Use one of the rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft. Or just call a friend, call mom, an uncle, someone who can get you home safely,” Cochran said.

Those out on the roads or attending parties sober are encouraged to aid in the task force’s efforts.

“If you see somebody on the road that’s impaired, call 911, let them know where you’re at and they’ll get an officer in the area as fast as possible,” he said.

“If you’re at a party and you see a friend drinking and you think they’re going to drive, make sure to take their keys and say, ‘Hey, I don’t think it’s a great idea. You should probably get a ride home tonight,'” Cochran said.

“As long as everybody’s safe and tries to get home safely the right way, that’s all we care about,” Cochran said, noting the role everyone in the community can play in making that happen.

“Everybody has to be each other’s DD and look out for each other,” he said.