Whether rooting for the Giants or New England Patriots, residents of Maryland and the other northeastern states will likely be partying Super Bowl-style this Sunday night.

Super Bowl Sunday should be about food, friends and football. Unfortunately however, this day is also greatly associated with high rates of drunk driving arrests. If you are going to be drinking before, after or during the game, it is important to be proactive.

Refrain from driving this Sunday if you are even the least bit intoxicated, primarily because this decision will help keep you safe. Additionally, however, it will keep you from being pulled over by the high numbers of law enforcement officers being stationed on the roads after the game.

Last year, law enforcement in Maryland issued more than 1,600 traffic tickets and arrested more than 40 motorists suspected of driving under the influence.

Many states actually have special campaigns designed specifically to catch intoxicated drivers on Super Bowl Sunday evening. As a result, it is important to be even more careful than usual about avoiding the driver's seat with alcohol in your system.

When planning for Sunday, you can either rely on a designated driver or plan for alternative transportation. Many community groups and transportation companies offer free or reduced fares on Super Bowl evening, in order to keep intoxicated drivers off the road.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the Super Bowl with a beer in your hand. However, in order to ensure that you get home safe and arrest-free, please plan your transportation situation in advance.

Source: Washington Post, "Safe driving on Super Bowl Sunday," Mark Berman, Feb. 1, 2012