If you are a fan of NFL football or if you call the greater Phoenix area home, chances are that you know that the University of Phoenix stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals, will host the Super Bowl this year. But you may not realize that for the second year in a row, the NFL Pro Bowl will take place in the same location as the Super Bowl and will happen one week earlier than the biggest game of the season.
This means that on Sunday, tens of thousands of fans will descend on the Glendale area to fill the University of Phoenix stadium and to cheer for some of the most popular players from 26 of the 32 NFL teams. In addition to those who will be watching the game in person, many more will be participating at local bars and restaurants, in the homes of friends, or with family as they begin the countdown to the Super Bowl.
Whether you will be in Glendale or near the stadium this weekend, the effects of the Pro Bowl may impact you and your travel around the Phoenix area. To be as safe as possible, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. suggest you keep the following tips in mind:
– Include Extra Time for Traveling: Authorities in Glendale and officials with the NFL have confirmed an anticipated increased presence surrounding the stadium and they will be taking additional safety steps as a result. These will vary from the typical procedures in place during Cardinals home games so fans should be aware that some parking areas, tailgating lots, and access points will be closed. If you plan to head to the game, plan your route ahead of time and consider leaving earlier than intended in case you run into an issue getting to the stadium.
– Watch for Pedestrians when Driving: Many people traveling to the game may be unfamiliar with the area and may not be used to the streets and crosswalks present in Glendale. Be alert for pedestrians at all times while behind the wheel and make sure you anticipate their presence if you will be driving this weekend.
– Do Not Drink and Drive: For some, football and alcohol go hand-in-hand as a way to enjoy a game like the Pro Bowl. But if you will be drinking, please remember the laws that apply in Arizona and do not drive. Anyone under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle may face serious charges that can result in fines, fees, community service, loss of a driver’s license, or incarceration in jail or prison. Further, if a drunk driver causes a car accident, that driver may be financially liable for any and all injuries and damages that result to a victim including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Instead of driving impaired, please use a designated driver, take a taxi cab, or consider another form of transit if you will be celebrating with alcohol this weekend.
– Use Common Sense: Glendale may be crowded and chaotic this weekend so if things seem dicey, use common sense and put safety first. Yield the right-of-way to other drivers and make sure pedestrians get enough space to cross the street when necessary. Stop for all yellow and red lights and make a complete stop at stop signs. Remember, it is always best to prevent an accident before it happens so that no one is injured and everyone can enjoy the game.
The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. hope that you and your family members are able to enjoy the weekend without incident and without injury, whether you will be in Glendale or another part of the Valley. But if tragedy strikes and you are involved in an accident, please know that we will be standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to help you.
We offer a free case consultation without obligation to injury victims who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and when providing the consultation, our team of attorneys will keep everything discussed confidential. If we can help you, please do not hesitate to call us and to let us help you understand your legal rights and your legal options following a car accident, pedestrian collision, or other incident in the Phoenix area.
Prior Blog Entry:
Manslaughter Charges in Suspected Intoxicated Driving Crash, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 22, 2015.