PARENTS and trick-or-treaters are being warned to be careful of impaired drivers on the road during Halloween.
About 35 million children across the United States dress in their spookiest costumes and flood the streets on October 31, door-knocking businesses and neighbors asking for candy.
But Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is sounding the alarm about the heightened risk of drunk drivers on the road during Halloween.
Halloween ranks among the deadliest nights for pedestrians and children.
In 2022, at least 39% of fatal crashes on October 31 involved drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pedestrian deaths increase by 43% on Halloween compared to other nights, according to the NHTSA.
Now, MADD is offering parents and trick-or-treaters advice on how to stay safe this Halloween.
MADD has cautioned parents to supervise their children if they’re going out trick-or-treating.
To always have a view on their child, the organization suggests parents give their children glow sticks or flashlights to carry, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes, and wear light colors to help drivers see them.
“Choose face paint over masks when possible, as masks can limit children’s vision,” MADD said.
If you’re getting behind the wheel, MADD has cautioned drivers to be extra alert as more children will be on the streets during Halloween.
“Sober designated drivers should be extra alert on the roads, as more impaired drivers will be behind the wheel and pedestrians will be out at night trick-or-treating,” the non-profit organization advised.
“Ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt, stick to the speed limit, and drive cautiously.”
Parents should also openly and honestly talk with their adult children about making safe choices on Halloween night.
For those drivers planning to have a drink on Halloween, MADD has suggested planning ahead.
“If you plan to drink on Halloween, make a plan and do not get behind the wheel of a car or any recreational vehicle, including bikes, golf carts, or ATVs,” the group said.
“When you are deciding where to celebrate, plan ahead and decide how you will arrive home, whether that’s by choosing a rideshare, designating a sober driver, or using public transportation.
“If you see a suspected impaired driver, alert law enforcement right away.
“With children and pedestrians flooding the streets, there’s no margin for error.”
Between 2018 and 2022, there were 386 traffic-related deaths on Halloween night, according to the NHTSA.
Fifty-two percent of deaths involved drivers under the influence.
Alternative ways to get home if impaired
Driving impaired is not only illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous – here are ways the AAA suggests getting home if you’ve overindulged.
- Establish a designated driver (DD). If you’re celebrating with a group, determine who will be responsibly driving the group home. To avoid any irreversible accidents, have the DD collect everyone’s keys at the beginning of the night.
- Utilize public transportation. Depending on your location, you might be able to take a bus, monorail, shuttle, or train home. It may come with a fare, but it’s cheaper than a DUI or someone’s life.
- Go with ride-sharing. Uber or Lyft are great options. If you’ve never used either service before, create an account and download the app before celebrating. Taxis are also an option.
- If you live in FL, GA, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte) and IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend), you can call AAA’s Tow 2 Go number, (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.
Source: AAA
