Halloween trails only December 23 (753 deaths) and January 1 (751 deaths) among the deadliest days of the year. “Drivers should be extra vigilant in keeping an eye out for little trick or treaters”.
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Past year 435 child pedestrians under the age of 15 were struck by motor vehicles in the state, resulting in eight fatalities.
Did you know 43% of people killed in vehicle crashes on Halloween from 2009 to 2013 were in crashes involving a drunk driver?
Children out trick-or-treating and the parents or others accompanying them are also at risk, as 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night between 2009 and 2013 involved drunk drivers. Local insurance agent and chairman of the local Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter, J.T. Dozier, says it’s important for those planning to celebrate the holiday to make plans on getting home safe.
Halloween for adults usually means costumes, parties and trading in candy for an alcoholic beverage.
If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
Use face paint instead of masks for Halloween costumes.
And if they’re on a street with no sidewalk, have the kids walk on the side facing traffic.
AAA is looking to get you home safely this Halloween weekend by offering its Tow to Go program.
“Motorists should slow down and watch for children, as well as have a designated driver if drinking is part of a Halloween celebration”, Buskohl said.
Whether you are a AAA member or not, you can call for a free ride anytime Friday through Saturday night.
“The tragedies caused by drunk driving are preventable”, Col. Paul A. Pride, Patrol Superintendent, said.
“The Tow to Go program is an effective way to promote the use of designated drivers and help prevent impaired driving”, said Bill Bradley, senior director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch.
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