Halloween Safety Encouraged on Roads

As communities nationwide prepare for Halloween celebrations, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the State Highway Safety Offices in Iowa and several other states to remind all drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. 

Drivers must act responsibly and commit to sober driving to keep themselves, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users safe. In 2022, one person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.

Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, including on Halloween night. Victims in those drunk-driving crashes included 31 pedestrians and 138 drivers and passengers.

Administrator Susan DeCourcy says drivers should be safe during Halloween if they plan for a safe ride home when their intent is to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. 

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. And if anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.