Keeping Yourself Safe: Drunk Driver Statistics During Halloween

Just the word “Halloween” calls to mind a great time for kids and adults alike. Nights spent partying with friends and filled with spooky antics may prove to be a great time, but they can also prove to be deadly. If you are going to a Halloween party and plan on drinking, it’s important to make plans to use a taxi, ridesharing service, or public transportation to get home safely.

Many drunk driving arrests are made across the country at this time every year — and too many lives are lost to drunk driving fatalities caused by drivers who escaped the notice of authorities and friends. This year, don’t be a statistic. Even one drink can be too many when it comes to driving. Follow the steps below to avoid drunk driving for a safe and sober Halloween.

Before the Tips: Halloween Drunk Driver Statistics

It only takes one glance at the drunk driver statistics associated with Halloween to see how the holiday creates troubles on roadways. The number of drunk drivers around Halloween is increasing. Understanding the statistics will help lend insight into why drunk driving occurs and how you and your friends can prevent and avoid drunk driving arrests.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 158 people died as a result of drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night from 2013-2017.
• 42% of those killed in traffic crashes on Halloween night from 2013-2017 were in accidents involving at least one drunk driver.
• 11 vehicle occupants and three pedestrians were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Halloween night in 2017 alone.

Keeping Yourself and Those Around You Safe This Halloween

Follow the Zero Tolerance Law

A DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrest is serious, regardless of where you reside in the country. During the nights surrounding Halloween, state and local police are on high alert looking for motorists who exhibit signs of impaired driving. Many even open up special DUI checkpoints just for the holiday.

Most states have set a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) legal limit for DUIs or DWIs. You may still be arrested for drunk driving even if your BAC is under the .08 limit. Additional laws, known as zero-tolerance laws, apply to drivers under 21 years of age and mandate that you may be arrested for a DUI or DWI even if you only consumed the smallest amount of alcohol. Those under the age of 21 should adhere strictly to the law.

Opt for Halloween Nonalcoholic Drinks

While Halloween is heavily associated with partying and alcohol, you can still have fun with your best buds without the use of alcohol. There are plenty of creative and delicious Halloween nonalcoholic drinks that can contribute to your efforts to party responsibly. Some popular options include:

• Punch
• Virgin cocktails made with freshly sliced fruit
• Festive mocktails

Turn to Ridesharing Services

If you plan on going out to celebrate and know that you’ll consume alcohol, schedule for a rideshare service to pick you up after your night of fun. Rides can be scheduled several days in advance or requested on the spot on Halloween night. Ride-sharing services are a great way to make sure you can get home without needing to worry about transportation.

Remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving. No amount of alcohol is safe when it comes to driving. You should consider yourself responsible for your own safety and wellbeing — but look out for those around you, too. Don’t hesitate to order a ride-share for your tipsy friend or offer nonalcoholic beverage suggestions to a party host — it could save somebody’s life.

Our goal is to help customers get back on the road safely, quickly, and affordably. If you or someone you know is required to obtain an ignition interlock device, you can trust in RoadGuard Interlock. Contact us today to get started!

 

*Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only. RoadGuard Interlock did not create nor develop and does not own any such third-party websites. RoadGuard Interlock does not endorse nor support the content of, nor any opinions stated in any such third-party website links. RoadGuard Interlock is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or its accuracy or reliability. Nothing contained in this article or in any such third-party website shall be considered legal advice or be deemed to constitute legal advice. For any legal advice concerning a DUI arrest, charge, conviction, or consequences thereof, you should contact an attorney of your choice.