The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Highway Patrol wants drivers and trick-or-treaters to be alert this Halloween.
Last year, 17 people were killed during the Halloween season. Out of those 17, seven were related to alcohol. This year there have been 99 pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee, which is 17 more compared to last year.
“Our traffic enforcement patrols will be increased using the latest technology to conduct traffic enforcement saturations and checkpoints," Colonel Tracy Trott said. "Don’t choose to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Always designate a sober driver. Our goal is to keep children safe, so they can enjoy their Halloween festivities.”
45 percent of all motor vehicle deaths on Halloween from 2011 to 2015 have involved drunk driving. Remember it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher in Tennessee.
Here are some tips from the Department of Safety to be safe this Halloween night:
Tips for Motorists
- Slow down and watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs;
- Be on alert when pulling in and out of driveways;
- Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs;
- Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway dropping off children;
- If you are driving to a Halloween party, put your mask on after you park the car;
- Designate a sober driver.
Tips for Parents and Children
- Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their "trick or treat" activities;
- Children must pay attention when crossing the street;
- Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross streets only at corners or crosswalks;
- Use a flashlight and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume to be more visible to motorists;
- Be certain that the mask does not obstruct vision or hearing;
- Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.
