Juan
C. Quintero, Public Information Officer, California Highway Patrol, Arrowhead
Area
The California Office of Traffic
Safety, California State Transportation Agency asks the public:
Don’t Let
a Dangerous Choice
Make for an Extra Scary Halloween
Plan Ahead and Designate a Sober Driver Prior to Your
Holiday Fun
Sacramento, California
___ Halloween is often recognized as a holiday that offers just as much fun for
adults as it does for children. Youngsters may look forward to a night of
trick-or-treating, but many adults choose to partake in the festivities, too – oftentimes
with alcohol included. While Halloween may be a spooky night, the California
Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) want to help
ensure that it is also a safe one. If
you plan on making alcohol a part of your celebrations this year, designating a
sober driver or finding a safe ride home should be a top priority.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs always
presents serious, life-threatening risks, but even more so on a night when
pedestrians and children are out trick-or-treating,” said OTS Director Rhonda
Craft. “By taking just a few extra minutes to designate a sober driver, you
will not only avoid the serious risk and costs associated with a DUI, but you
will also help protect your own life and the lives of those around you.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, between 2009 and 2013, 43 percent of all traffic fatalities on
Halloween night involved an impaired driver. In 2013 alone, 26 percent of all
pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved an impaired driver.
“With Halloween
falling on a weekend this year, we expect an increase in celebrations,” said
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With a few
simple precautions, you should be able to enjoy the fun and get home safely. Drive sober, avoid distractions behind the
wheel, and be especially alert around pedestrians.”
Whether out trick-or-treating for the
night or heading to a party, it is equally important for adults and children to
take necessary safety precautions. For those
walking door-to-door, consider using light producing or reflective devices to
remain visible to cars. Only cross the
street at crosswalks or corners and only when it is safe to do so. Costumes should be kept short enough to avoid
tripping, and masks should be lifted or removed while on or crossing a
street.
Drivers need to pay extra attention to
pedestrians – especially small children - as they may be unaware of their
surroundings and trick-or-treaters can appear out of nowhere. Party hosts need to be ready with
non-alcoholic drinks, food, and the responsibility to make sure their guests
get home safely.
The
California Office of Traffic Safety
wishes you a fun and safe Halloween!
To
keep up with the latest traffic safety information, be sure to follow us on
Twitter at @OTS_CA or
“like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS. For more information on all OTS efforts, visit
www.OTS.ca.gov.