Be Safe This Halloween

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween, as more pedestrians are out at night on the hunt for candy. If your night involves drinking some of the witch’s brew at a Halloween party, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Remember: It’s never safe—or legal—to drink and drive.

“Do the right thing and don’t put yourself or other West Virginia road users at risk, especially at a time when we know our friends and neighbors are out and about, celebrating the season. Never drink and drive,” Gov. Jim Justice said.

Because of the parties, trick-or-treating, and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s roads. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 129 drunk-driving fatalities in the U.S. on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 – 5:59 a.m. November 1). Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (68%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020. During that same night, 11 pedestrians were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes.

“Even one drink can impair judgement – so can illegal drugs or certain prescription medications. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink or do drugs and drive,” said Bob Tipton, GHSP Director. “If you feel different, you drive different. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”

Tragically, about one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations at or above .08 grams per deciliter). In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. Do not contribute to these senseless deaths by driving drunk this Halloween. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians—whether they be children trick-or-treating or adults who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

“We want everyone to have a fun night out on Halloween, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices,” said Steven Jarvis, GHSP Impaired Driving Program Coordinator.

“There are many options available to drivers to help them get home safely if they’ve been drinking or taking drugs or impairing medications. We expect drivers to obey the law and drive sober,” Jarvis said.

Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. The costs can be financial, too. If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.

Celebrate with a Plan

If you plan to head out for a night of Halloween partying, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

Remember that it is never okay to drink or take drugs or impairing medications and drive.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, or call a taxi or rideshare service to get home safely.
If available, use your community’s sober ride program. Intoxi-Taxi ® is available in Charleston.
If you see a drunk or drugged driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
See a friend who is about to drink or take drugs and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Always remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit
www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit
highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.

Be Safe This Halloween

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