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Be Scary Safe this Halloween

The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is a drunk driver. Halloween is no longer just for Trick-or-Treater’s—in recent years, there has been a rise in the number of adults hosting scary festivities that include alcohol. Nationwide, there are too many people mixing their boos with their booze before getting behind the wheel. These careless acts are making Halloween a dangerous night to be on the road. It may seem obvious, but the easiest way to prevent drunk driving accidents is to NOT drink and drive.  Drunk drivers put everyone at risk 112 million times a year.

Scary Statistics

  • During the Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) during the years 2013-2017, there were 158 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.
  • During Halloween night from 2013-2017, 42% of those killed were in traffic crashes that involved at least one drunk driver.
  • During the 2017 Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1), there were 11 vehicle occupants and three pedestrians killed in drunk-driving crashes.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation Drunk driving, DUI’s, and other alcohol-related incidents all skyrocket on the night of Hallows Eve. On Halloween Night between the years 2013-2018, 55 percent of motor vehicle-related deaths involved drunk driving. People of the ages 21 to 35 years old accounted for most of the fatalities on Halloween Night in 2018. The same age group is contributing to the overall drunk driving fatalities in the U.S. The number of drunk driving crashes increased about 25% on Halloween Night from 2017-2018.

These reports point out the scary truth truths of drinking and driving on Halloween.  A holiday that is commonly celebrated by children and their families who go out to trick-or-treat, as well as young adults, who are attending Halloween festivities.

It is imperative to remember that one can still celebrate safely. If your night is going to include alcohol plan ahead by providing a safe ride home for everyone in your vehicle before you head out for the night or make plans for another way to get home safely. Know your limits and call a cab, a sober friend or family member, or just stay where you are.

As a pedestrian: Be visible at all times. You may think a driver sees you, but it’s possible that they can’t. Wear brightly colored clothing and carry a flashlight after dark.  Use designated sidewalks and crosswalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk available, walk facing oncoming traffic and keep as far away from the road as possible and don’t drink alcohol before walking around. You want to be fully aware of your surroundings so you can get to and from your destination safely.