On Halloween night, it is common to see ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Unfortunately, it is also common to encounter drunk drivers. Fortunately, there are several things Minnesota parents as well as motorists can do to increase the chances of a safe and fun night.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most drunk driving crashes on this fun time occur between 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 6 a.m. on Nov. 1. In fact, between 2012 and 2016, 44 percent of all people killed in traffic accidents during those hours died in alcohol-related crashes. In 2016, almost 50 percent of all Halloween drunk driving deaths involved victims between the ages of 21 and 34. However, no pedestrians were killed on Halloween night that year.
In order to reduce the risk of car accidents on Halloween, AAA suggests that adults who intend to drink alcohol choose a designated driver before they go out. They could also call a ride-sharing service or use public transportation. People should also look out for each other. If a friend has had too much to drink, others should make sure he or she gets home safely. AAA reminds drivers to slow down and be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters. Children can get excited and dart out into the street. Parents should also make sure their child’s costume doesn’t obstruct his or her vision and add reflective tape to outfits to make them more visible to drivers.
When drunk drivers cause car accidents, they can be held legally liable for their actions. For example, an attorney could help the victim of a car crash file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court. If the lawsuit is successful, the driver could be ordered to compensate the victim for medical expenses and other losses that have been incurred.
Source: CT Post, “AAA warns against Halloween safety risks“, Amanda Cuda, Oct. 25, 2018