Buzzed driving is drunk driving, even on Halloween; tips to follow for a safe night

Halloween is just around the corner, which traditionally means parties, get-togethers, as well as an increase in drunk drivers on the roads.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Greene County Safe Communities through Greene County Public Health to remind everyone of the dangers of drunk driving.

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Between 2015 and 2019, from 6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1, there were 126 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night, according to statistics from NHTSA.

NHTSA reported that 41-percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night from 2015 to 2019 were in crashes involving a drunk driver.

Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage, which was 62-percent, of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2019.

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“Even though Halloween is on a Sunday this year, we’re certain to see extra gatherings throughout the weekend, and every single participant should plan their sober ride home in advance” said Melissa Howell, Health Commissioner, Greene County Public Health. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Even one drink can be one too many. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

If you plan to head out for a night of Halloween partying, officials released the following tips for a safe and
happy evening:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If available, use an Uber, Lyft, taxi or other local ride service.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 1-800-GRAB-DUI or *DUI on your cell phone when it is safe to do so.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend home safely.

For more information on impaired driving, you can visit the NHSTA website.

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