Halloween Driver Safety

Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that the annual safe driving Halloween National Mobilization is October 31 to November 1, 2019.

This Halloween, let’s make happy memories, not tragic nightmares. The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is a drunk driver. This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with local officials to help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many for some drivers, so if you plan to drive, plan to refrain from alcohol. If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance. Stay safe on Halloween night, and every night. Read these scary stats and commit to sober driving.

• According to NHTSA, there were 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29 percent (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in a crash in which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08.
• During the Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) during the years 2013-2017, there were 158 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• During Halloween night from 2013-2017, 42 percent of those killed were in traffic crashes that involved at least one drunk driver.
• During the 2017 Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1), there were 11 vehicle occupants and three pedestrians killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• Those under the age of 21 had the highest percentage (45%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2017.
• Drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. It is illegal to drive while drug-impaired, period. It’s essential for drivers to understand: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
  

For More Information:
Lt. Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator: 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu