Since Halloween is just around the corner, you might be putting together plans for trick-or-treating with the kids, or organizing a killer Halloween party. Millions of people have a great time with festivities on Halloween night, and some even get up to some light mischief, but there's a darker side to the holiday as well.
With so many people walking around late at night and the incidence of parties,
Halloween is also a night when drunk driving crashes and deaths increase. Drunk driving on Halloween has become a serious issue. Here are some shocking statistics about car accidents on Halloween:
- Nationally, 44% of fatal crashes during the Halloween weekend involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
- 38% of the fatal crashes on Halloween night involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
- 23% of all pedestrian fatalities on that same night also included a drunk driver.
How do you prevent yourself and others from becoming a statistic on Halloween? Read on to find out.
Before You Head Out
If you're headed to a Halloween party with friends, make sure to designate a driver before arriving at the party. They're the only people in your group that should have keys, and they shouldn't drink: they can have their turn at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even next Halloween.
If you're trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, try to choose a costume with at least some reflective or high-visibility aspect to it. Many Halloween costumes are entirely black or dark colors, which may be spooky, but are also extremely hard to see after the sun goes down. In addition, don't drink before walking around! If you're a pedestrian, you need to have your wits about you so you can avoid potentially deadly situations.
As You're Coming Home
Don't be distracted when you're driving home from the party: if you're the designated driver, keep the cell phone away, turn down your music, and keep your hands on the steering wheel. If you're a passenger, respect the driver's need to pay attention to the road, other vehicles, and the possibility of pedestrians.
If you're walking home from a night of festivities, make sure to stay on the sidewalk and crosswalks. If you're walking down a road without a sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic and keep as far away from the road as possible.
If no one in your party stayed sober, you might be able to catch a ride with another sober driver, or your community might have a sober ride program set up.
Visit the
AAA DUI Justice page for Sober Ride information in your area. If you do see someone driving drunk, call the police. If you know someone who's about to drive drunk, take their keys and help them find safe travel arrangements. They'll thank you in the morning.
What to Do if You're the Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident on Halloween
If the worst does happen, and become a victim of a drunk driving accident on Halloween in the state of Louisiana, you will need an experienced
DUI accident attorney to file a claim and get the financial compensation you deserve! You'll need to be compensated not only for your medical expenses but also for your lost wages and your pain and suffering. Give Murphy Law Firm a call to get advice from our personal injury lawyers. Our expert
car wreck lawyers have years of experience litigating personal injury cases involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and we're committed to helping you find the restitution you deserve after you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver. We won't let you be swindled any insurance company!
Consult a Drunk Driving Attorney in Baton Rouge
If you've been in a car wreck, no matter what day of the year, stop by our law office in Baton Rouge, give us a call, or schedule a
free consultation to speak with one of our expert car wreck attorneys! Finally, don't drink and drive!
