As Virginians of all ages prepare to celebrate Halloween this weekend, the Virginia State Police are handing out some safety tips to ensure the holiday is one of fun and not tragedy.
Keep the Party off the Road
Nighttime is a dangerous time to be on the road, but Halloween night is often one of the deadliest nights of the year because of impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.
In Virginia, six young men and women between the ages of 19 and 23 lost their lives in fatal traffic crashes during the 2008 and 2009 Halloween holiday weekends. In at least two of the crashes, alcohol was a factor.
State troopers will step up DUI patrols statewide during the Halloween weekend to help make Virginia?s highways and neighborhoods even safer. In addition, State Police recommends these simple tips:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
- Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
- If you?re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don?t hesitate to contact Virginia State Police by dialing #77 on your cell phone.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
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