Safety During Big Game Sunday in Las Vegas: Ashley Watkins Shares Essential Tips on Morning Blend
The NFL Championship Game transformed the entire city of Las Vegas into one giant watch party with packed homes, neighborhood bars, casinos, and the Strip — all buzzing with excitement. But the celebration brings real risks, from surging DUI arrests to slips on spilled drinks, burns from hot food, fights, and alcohol-fueled falls.
Ashley Watkins, co-founder of Sam & Ash Injury Law, joined hosts Elliott Bambrough and Jessica Rosado on Morning Blend to deliver practical safety advice for residents and visitors ahead of the Big Game.
Why Big Game Sunday Is One of the Riskiest Days in Vegas
Ash explained the “perfect storm” that makes game day particularly dangerous: heavy alcohol consumption, tight crowds, and high emotions — especially when your team loses. Nevada Highway Patrol data shows DUI arrests increase 22% on Big Game Sunday specifically, compared to average Sundays. LVMPD reported 39 arrests in 2024 and 32 arrests plus 314 citations in 2025. Add in wet floors from spilled drinks, chaotic cooking, and crowded spaces, and preventable injuries become common.
The Most Frequent Injuries Sam & Ash See from Big Game Parties
Ash highlighted the top risks that send people to the ER every year:
- Impaired driving crashes: people overdrink and still get behind the wheel
- Slip-and-fall accidents: beer, nacho cheese, or water on floors turns any surface into a hazard
- Burns: hot wings, deep fryers, grills during rushed game-time cooking
- Fights: alcohol plus rival fans plus tight spaces often lead to physical altercations
- Falls: stairs, furniture, or tripping over pets, stressed by noise and crowds
- Pet bites/scratches: loud cheering, crowded houses, and chaos upset dogs and cats, causing them to become nervous and reactive
She emphasized that nearly all of these injuries are 100% preventable with just a bit of basic planning.
Ash’s Top Safety Tips for Game-Day Parties
Five straightforward rules to stay safe while enjoying the game:
- No driving after drinking — ever. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, robotaxi, taxi, or simply stay put.
- Pace yourself: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. Eat real food, not just snacks.
- Watch your step: Clean spills immediately; wet floors are one of the biggest injury traps.
- Cook safely: Use oven mitts, keep kids and pets away from hot surfaces, and avoid deep-frying while drinking.
- Walk away from tension: It’s just a game, and not worth a hospital trip or legal trouble.
She added: if something does go wrong, document everything. Call 911, seek medical care, take photos of the scene and injuries, and gather any witness information.
What to Do If You’re Injured on Game Day
Three immediate steps:
- Get medical help right away. Even “minor” injuries can worsen quickly.
- Document the scene thoroughly: photos of conditions (spills, crowds), injuries, and any hazards.
- Call a lawyer before speaking to insurance: Adjusters often push low offers or shift blame. Get a lawyer in your corner before giving any statements.
Nevada’s at-fault system means the responsible party (driver, bar owner, homeowner) pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, and more. But you need strong representation to get full value.
Final Message from Ash
“Enjoy the game, but be smart. Plan your ride ahead of time, watch your step, and do your part to keep the peace. If the worst happens, we’re here 24/7. Call us before insurance. We fight, you win. Because You Deserve What’s Right.”
Were You Injured During NFL Championship Game Celebrations?
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