HANCOCK COUNTY — One of the funnest nights of the year for kids and families is here, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging caution because of the heightened risk of impaired driving this Halloween.
It’s a holiday that ranks among the deadliest nights for pedestrians — especially children — as officials say Halloween drunk driving statistics are alarming.
In 2022, 39% of fatal car crashes on Halloween involved drunk drivers, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to data from FARS, pedestrians are 50% more likely to die on Halloween than on any other day. This is due to several factors, such as an increased number of pedestrians on the road, poor visibility of pedestrians due to dark costumes, and an increase in drunk driving.
Studies show that pedestrian deaths increase by some 43% on Halloween compared to other nights. The risk is particularly high for children ages four to eight, who face a shocking tenfold increase in fatalities on Halloween.
The organization MADD is offering families and drivers some Halloween safety tips which include MADD calling on parents, trick-or-treaters and drivers to be aware of impaired driving on Halloween as neighborhoods are flooded with children, teens and adults in dark costumes at night, navigating areas with poor lighting.
Plan ahead and never drive impaired.
If people plan to drink on Halloween, it’s important to make a plan and not get behind the wheel of a car or any recreational vehicle, including bikes, golf carts or ATVs. When deciding where to celebrate, plan ahead and decide how to arrive home, whether that’s by choosing a ride share, designating a sober driver or using public transportation.
Parents need to supervise trick-or-treaters and make sure all kids dress for success.
Parents should accompany their younger trick-or-treaters and make sure they are highly visible. Children should carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes, and wear light colors to help them be seen by drivers. Choose face paint over masks when possible as masks can limit children’s vision. Be sure kids stay on sidewalks and only cross the street at corners or crosswalks, ideally in a group.
If a person must drive on Halloween, be vigilant.
That means to stay sober and have a designated driver who is extra alert on the roads, as more impaired drivers will be behind the wheel and pedestrians will be out at night trick-or-treating. Ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt, stick to the speed limit and drive cautiously.
Talk to your kids about underage drinking and impaired driving.
Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children before Halloween about the importance of making safe choices.
Anyone out on Halloween night who sees an impaired driver should report it immediately.
If you see a suspected impaired driver, alert law enforcement right away. With children and pedestrians flooding the streets, there’s no margin for error.
Hancock County communities have announced trick or treat hours for Thursday, Oct. 31 as Greenfield, Fortville, New Palestine, Cumberland and Shirley will host trick or treating in neighborhoods 5-8 p.m. The town of McCordsville’s hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m.