Don't Let A DUI 'Haunt' Halloween & Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe!

TAMPA BAY AREA, FL – Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use extreme caution and safely share the road this Halloween night.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol said drivers should always stay focused when behind the wheel and never drive impaired as buzzed driving is drunk driving.

“A DUI will haunt a motorist for life,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “If you plan to be out on Florida roads this Halloween, be sure to use care and precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe.”

In 2016, the FHP and other law enforcement agencies worked 3,217 crashes during the Halloween holiday, with 32 crashes involving a DUI.

“Drunk or drugged driving is simply not worth the risk of losing your life or taking someone else’s life,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, FHP director. “Our troopers are prepared to take action to stop impaired drivers from placing innocent lives at risk.”

Parents and motorists also are reminded to take extra care in safeguarding children. Low visibility and heavy pedestrian traffic can make navigating Halloween roadways tricky, the agencies said, issuing the following reminders.

Follow these safety tips to make this holiday a treat:

Motorists:

• Pay attention and reduce distractions; turn off the radio and put down the phone.
• Slow down and use caution. Costumes may impair a child’s ability to see and hear approaching cars, preventing them from getting out of the roadway quickly.
• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks.
• Enter and exit driveways slowly and always check behind your vehicle before backing.
• Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters who may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.

Parents and Trick-or-Treaters:

• Be seen! Carry a flashlight, wear bright clothing and put reflective tape on costumes and goody bags.
• Use sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic as close to the curb as possible.
• Remind children to never run out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Be aware of surroundings. Don’t wear headphones or text while walking.
• Children should not trick-or-treat unsupervised. Walk with your trick-or-treaters and hold the hands of young children. Review pedestrian safety with teens if they trick-or-treat without supervision.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit DHSMV’s website.

ALSO SEE:

• Where To Eat Free On Halloween: LIST

• Smartphone tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe

• Inside The Winchester: The Most Haunted House In History

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