Be Scary Safe: Drunk Driving on Halloween

Drunk Driving on Halloween Isn't Just Scary – It's Wrong

A night that turns entire neighborhoods into candy stores for kids should include some fun for the adults too. For some, Halloween doesn't just involve costumes, scary movies, or a feast of cavity-inducing treats.

Alcohol can be a part of many parties, but sometimes it takes over, according to these frightening Halloween drunk driving statistics:

• 44% of national fatal crashes during Halloween weekend involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
• 38% of fatal crashes that occurred on Halloween night involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
• 23% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night included a drunk driver.

So, how do you prevent yourself and others from becoming a Halloween driving or pedestrian accident statistic?

Links to Get You Started

Don't drink and drive

It may seem obvious, but it's the easiest way to prevent drunk driving accidents. Drunk drivers put everyone at risk 112 million times a year. Be a responsible driver, not a statistic.

Don't be distracted

All the colorful Halloween distractions can easily divert your attention. That's why it's important to keep your cell phone away, turn your music down or off, and leave your hands on the steering wheel.

Don't text and drive

You may have a few Halloween parties you're trying to coordinate, but all the pedestrians on the street make it even more crucial to keep your cell phone away so you can stay focused on the road.

Tips to Keep You Going

As a driver:

• DO avoid going out during trick-or-treating hours, if at all possible.
• DO obey street signs and signals, and drive slowly in neighborhoods and residential areas.
• DO stick to 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:

• DO 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.
• DO 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.
• 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.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Can Cost You

Impaired driving can cost you more than just money and aggravation. It endangers everyone, from the passengers in the vehicle to the pedestrians on the street to the people throwing the party.

Aside from the high possibility of an accident that can lead to severe injury, and even death, convicted drunk drivers can face:

• Loss of driver's license
• Higher insurance rates
• Probation or jail time up to five years depending on blood-alcohol content level and number of offenses
• Fines up to $10,000 depending on blood-alcohol content level and number of offenses
• Numerous unanticipated charges, including attorney fees, court costs, bail, towing and repairs, and lost wages from time off from work

No matter the distance you're going, drunk driving is a crime, and it's not worth it.

Let the Halloween screeches, squeals, and wails come from creepy ghouls, ghosts, and witches, not from a car's breaks, skidding tires, or from the victims involved in a drunk driving accident.

Choose to celebrate responsibly this Halloween, perhaps with one of our spooky mocktails.

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