FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2004

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

Or your local Community Relations Officer

http://www.schp.org/cro.asp

 

S.C. HIGHWAY PATROL TO INCREASE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS

 

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol will join other law enforcement statewide and regionally in increasing enforcement from October 29-31, focusing specifically on keeping impaired drivers off the highways and protecting young pedestrians during the Halloween weekend.

 

“We are concerned with Halloween falling on a Sunday,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “There is a potential for an increase in impaired driving deaths during a holiday that already has a high rate of alcohol-related fatal crashes. We also can expect more pedestrian traffic since some neighborhoods will trick-or-treat on Saturday and others will observe the holiday Sunday night.” 

Pedestrian safety is a major consideration with children on the streets in large numbers after dark (see below for trick-or-treat safety tips). A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control from 1975 to 1996 found that the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5-14) is four times higher on Halloween evening than any other evening of the year. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that: 40 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 5-9 p.m.; and nearly 47 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 

Those planning to attend parties should plan ahead and designate a sober driver BEFORE going out; take the keys of an impaired friend; if impaired, call a taxi or call a sober friend or family member to pick you up; and or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two-thirds (67 percent) of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween 2003 were alcohol-related.

Those choosing to drink and drive should keep in mind that law enforcement will be heavier than on a typical weekend. The consequences of being arrested for DUI can include jail time, the suspension or loss of a driver’s license, higher insurance rates, the embarrassment and humiliation of telling friends, family and employers, plus dozens of unanticipated expenses for attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, time away from work, and many others costs.

Fatality Calendar (MS Excel file)

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Halloween Pedestrian Safety:

 

The Highway Patrol reminds parents and motorists:

• Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods.
• Drive well below the posted speed limit during trick-or-treating hours, typically from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Be aware that children will be entering and exiting vehicles frequently. Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway.
• Children can dart into the street particularly at intersections; motorists need to be especially alert for small children and children in dark, non-reflective clothing.
• Motorists should never assume a pedestrian approaching the roadway will yield to their vehicle. Children may not see the vehicle approaching or might not be familiar with crossing roadways.
• Parents should prepare children with flashlights, glow sticks or use reflective tape on their costumes. Parents should use their four-way flashers when waiting on children and be sure their children know to look both ways before crossing the street and to cross only at corners or crosswalks. Make sure children’s costumes are not so long that they cause the child to trip and fall into the roadway.

 

SI/HP/29/04