As families and friends prepare for the year’s spookiest night, there is something more frightening than the ghoul mask your neighbor plans to wear. Drunk driving is at an all-time high on Halloween night.
Statistics
Although Halloween is typically thought to be for kids, adults enjoy their own festivities—many of which involve alcohol. Unfortunately, drunk driving often follows these celebrations.
Surprisingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates fatal DUI accidents on Halloween night occur three times more often than those on New Year’s Eve, a holiday culturally known for its alcohol consumption.
Additional findings emerged after analyzing five consecutive Halloween nights from 2009 to 2013. The NHTSA determined that 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths on those nights involved drunk driving. Data from 2013’s study indicated that 26 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents involved a drunk driver. A study from 2013 to 2017 saw this statistic drop to 42 percent, but a 1 percent difference is hardly an improvement.
These rates are likely to be higher when Halloween falls on a weekend, as it does this year.
Take Precautions
To help prevent a fatal accident this Halloween, use these safety tips when planning your evening.
Pedestrians
- Always walk on available sidewalks, otherwise walk facing oncoming traffic as far to the side as possible.
- Use crosswalks and exercise caution at driveways and intersections.
- Make yourself as visible to drivers as you possibly can. Carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing.
- Plan beforehand how you will get home safely.
- Contact local police if you spot a drunk driver.
Drivers
- Establish a designated driver if you choose to consume alcohol.
- Avoid distracted driving via texting, eating, or drinking.
- Be extra cautious of pedestrians.
- Slow down where sightlines are limited.
- Contact local police if you spot a drunk driver.
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered from or passed away due to a drunk driving accident, our skilled team at DiPasquale Moore is here to help. We have extensive experience advocating for victims of negligent parties, and we will work to secure adequate compensation on your behalf.
Call today at (816) 888-7500 for a free consultation. Our firm has four office locations to best serve you: Kansas City, Topeka, Columbia, and St. Louis.