As the jack-o-lanterns flicker and children scurry from house to house searching for sweet treats, a darker side to Halloween festivities lurks. This sobering aspect is not linked to the ghoulish costumes or eerie decorations that adorn our neighborhoods; it pertains to the disturbing prevalence of drunk driving incidents that mar this otherwise joyous occasion.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults between the ages of 21 and 34 accounted for a staggering 62% of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2019. This statistic alone underscores the terrifying reality behind the Halloween revelry.
Additionally, research from the NHTSA shows that 43% of all motor vehicle deaths on Halloween nights involved drunk driving. Almost half of all nighttime traffic fatalities on October 31st are due to DUIs. These figures are chilling evidence of the risks associated with impaired driving.
Between 2015 and 2019, 126 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night. In just one evening, 158 individuals lost their lives in drunk driving collisions, with 38% of the fatal crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Even pedestrians aren't safe, with 23% of all pedestrian fatalities occurring on Halloween night.
The year 2021 saw a particularly horrifying spike in drunk driving deaths, with 93 fatalities recorded on Halloween, accounting for about half of all driving deaths on the holiday.
Such statistics are a stark reminder of the potential consequences of drunk driving.
Were You Injured By a Drunk Driver?
At The Roth Firm, LLC, we urge everyone to prioritize safety over celebration. We can all contribute to making Halloween safer with little awareness and responsible behavior. However, if a drunk driver injures you, don’t be scared to take action.
The Roth Firm, LLC has recovered millions for past clients, and we’re ready to help you too. Let us fight for your rights — contact The Roth Firm, LLC to schedule a free consultation.