Don't Let Your Halloween Become a Nightmare

Don't Let Your Halloween Become a Nightmare - Celebrate Responsibly

by Joy Spencer

Halloween is quickly approaching, and will be especially busy with it landing on a Friday this year.

Halloween should be a fun, festive and safe celebration for everyone. Sadly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is one of the year’s most dangerous holidays on the road due to alcohol-related crashes caused by those who drink and drive after parties and festivities. In 2012, 48 percent of all crash fatalities on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

Here are some tips and reminders for party-goers, party planners, and business owners to plan ahead for Halloween safety.

Don’t serve alcohol to minors. The legal drinking age is 21 and, as a host, it is your responsibility to make sure minors aren’t drinking.
If you’re going to drink alcohol, make plans now for a safe ride home.
Party hosts should provide lots of food and non-alcoholic drinks to help guests pace themselves.
Bars or restaurants that are hosting costume parties, should make that sure customers are recognizable without masks and elaborate make up when checking ID.
Have the number of a cab company or public transit tickets available for guests or customers who’ve had too much.
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call your local law enforcement immediately.
Drive slowly and watch for children and party-goers crossing the streets.
Please remember that masks can impair your vision. If you are walking from place to place on Halloween night, the combination of alcohol and masks can be dangerous.
It may be difficult to judge a patron's/guest's level of intoxication when they are in character, such as Jack Sparrow.
Be extra diligent when monitoring patrons in your bar, restaurant or private party.

Stay safe and keep others safe around you by celebrating the holiday responsibly, and have a spooktacular time!

Comments

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