Halloween is a spooktacular time of year, filled with costumes, candy, family fun, and community spirit. But lurking behind the fun and festivities are potential personal injury risks that can turn your Halloween into a real nightmare. At Cavanaugh & Thickens, we’re committed to ensuring that our neighbors across South Carolina have a Happy Halloween full of treats, not tricks, by shedding light on impaired driving on Halloween and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. 

The Frightening Numbers of Halloween Drunk Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween consistently ranks among the deadliest nights for impaired driving incidents. 

In 2019, there were 158 fatalities on Halloween night, a 38% increase from the average October night. Of these fatalities, approximately 60% involved a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, significantly higher than the overall annual average of 30%.

Trends reveal that alcohol impairment can increase the danger on Halloween night, especially due to the presence of pedestrians in costumes and dimly lit streets. These conditions make it imperative that drivers are sober and exercise more caution than normal.

How To Stay Safe From Impaired Drivers on Halloween

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the threat of drunk drivers on Halloween, adopt these safety measures:

1. Designate a Sober Driver

Plan for a designated driver if you intend to consume alcohol during your Halloween celebrations. If a sober driver isn’t available, take advantage of rideshare services or taxis to ensure a safe journey home. The simple act of designating a sober driver can be a life-saving choice.

2. Beware of the Signs of Drunk Driving

On Halloween, and throughout the year, it’s important to understand how to spot a drunk driver. When navigating Halloween night, stay vigilant and watch for erratic behavior on the road. If you notice a driver exhibiting signs of impairment call the police. These signs may include:

  • Quickly accelerating or decelerating
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Weaving or zig zagging
  • Almost striking an object/curb/other car
  • Drifting in/out of lanes
  • Stopping without cause
  • Slow response to traffic signals/stop signs
  • Driving with headlights off at night
  • Swerving
  • Turning abruptly

Reporting a drunk driver can save lives.

3. Responsible Hosting

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, be responsible. Encourage your guests to appoint designated drivers or help them arrange alternative transportation if they’ve been drinking. Always offer non-alcoholic beverage options to ensure that responsible choices are available for guests.

4. Pedestrian Preparedness

As a pedestrian, remain extra cautious and alert. Wear reflective clothing (we recommend adding reflective tape to costumes or trick-or-treat bags/baskets), carry a flashlight, cross only at well-lit intersections, hold your child’s hand, try to encourage walking over running, and always look both ways before crossing the street.

South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Protecting the Community

As an experienced personal injury law firm, we know it is our duty to help keep our South Carolina neighbors safe and protect their rights when accidents do happen. With over 60 years of combined experience, we sadly understand that accidents can happen even when we’re being cautious. If you or a loved one was hurt during an accident on or around Halloween, our team is here for you. Simply give us a call at (803) 888-2200 and we will genuinely listen to you and walk you through what to do next.