Halloween is a popular fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil an evening and turn something fun into a real nightmare. That’s why MoDOT reminds everyone to celebrate safely and that if “You Drink & Drive. You Lose.”

“Halloween should be a time for trick or treating with the kids and good family fun,” said Leanna Depue, director of the Highway Safety Division. “But unfortunately, Halloween has also become a very dangerous and deadly night of the year due to impaired driving.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 44 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 992 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Missouri. There were 230 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

To stay safe this Halloween, keep in mind the following tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• Use your community’s Sober Rides program if there’s one available.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement.
• Always buckle up. It’s your best defense in a crash.
• Slow down and stay alert!

Besides looking out for impaired drivers, all motorists need to be aware that on a night such as Halloween, children dressed in costumes can run out onto streets and roadways, and the damage could be staggering.

To avoid real-life Halloween horrors, remember the following:

• Walk on sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
• Make sure small children are with an adult when trick-or-treating.
• Be seen at night. Wear reflective strips and carry a flashlight.
• Don’t assume a vehicle is going to stop for you – the driver may not be paying attention or see you.
• Watch carefully for kids in the streets and stay close to your own little “monsters.”    

“Real-life Halloween nightmares are simple to avoid if you make smart decisions,” Depue said. “Never drive impaired. Remember, “You Drink & Drive. You Lose.” We want everyone to Arrive Alive this Halloween.”

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.