Getting arrested for drunken driving during Halloween is no party

October 29, 2007

Halloween is supposed to be frightening-but not deadly. Although its horrors should only be imaginary, Halloween is a dangerous holiday because of drunken drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA).

The consequences of drunken driving are horribly real. In Wisconsin, someone is killed or injured in an alcohol-related crash every 88 minutes. Last year, alcohol-related crashes killed 305 people in Wisconsin and injured nearly 6,000.

"Halloween used to be a holiday primarily for trick-or-treating by kids, but now it's also a very popular time for adult parties. And all too often, adults at Halloween parties don't celebrate responsibly," says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. "If you choose to get behind the wheel while impaired, your irresponsible decision could haunt you for the rest of your life. You likely could kill or injure yourself or someone else. Even if you avoid a crash, you could get arrested for drunken driving, which will cause painful financial losses and emotional trauma. Don't risk it. There's no sure way to determine your body's alcohol concentration until after you've been stopped by the police and tested. If you're feeling buzzed, you are probably impaired and should not be driving."

To have an enjoyable and safe Halloween, the advice about having a sober designated driver still works the best.

"If you're going to drink, plan ahead and choose your sober designated driver before going out," Hughes says. "If you don't have a sober driver to get you home, use mass transit, call a cab or stay where you are. Whatever you do, don't get behind the wheel if you're impaired. If you're hosting a Halloween party, offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food. And above all, remember that friends don't let friends drive drunk."

For more information, contact:
Janet Nodorft
(608) 266-0550, janet.nodorft@dot.state.wi.us