MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As Halloween approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) urges everyone to prioritize safety to avoid any frights on Halloween night.

All Alabamians should be aware that around Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Sadly, children are more likely to be injured on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

“Halloween is meant to be a night of fun for everyone, but it’s important to remember that safety comes first,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We all have a duty to act responsibly to not only keep yourself safe, but also others around you. If you are driving, please slow down and remain extra vigilant this Thursday for pedestrians and children who may dart out in the road. Parents, please keep a close eye on your children when out trick-or-treating. Stay in familiar areas, and visit homes where you know the individuals.”

Each October, ALEA reminds parents and guardians to consider checking the Agency’s online sex offender registry to use as a tool for awareness and to protect your child. To see where sex offenders live in your area, go to https://tinyurl.com/SOALEA.

In addition to emphasizing pedestrian safety, ALEA strongly encourages everyone to commit to sober driving. Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, including on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1). From 2018 to 2022, there were 386 traffic fatalities on Halloween night. Fifty-two percent of those vehicle occupants were drunk. Victims in those drunk-driving crashes included 31 pedestrians and 138 drivers and passengers.

“A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning to get to your destinations and back home safely. Those who are going out and intend to drink should make sure to have a designated sober driver or plan a sober ride home,” ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer said. “ALEA Troopers do not tolerate impaired driving any time of the year, but for your safety and for the safety of innocent bystanders, please make smart choices so this

Halloween does not turn into a nightmare for you or for the loved ones of others.” ALEA offers the following 13 tips for avoiding a scare this Halloween:

Safety tips for drivers:

1. Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
2. Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
3. Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
4. If you see an impaired driver, contact law enforcement.

Safety tips for pedestrians:

• Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

Unfortunately, Halloween also involves potentially deadly crashes, and impaired drivers on the road. In 2022, nearly half of all crash fatalities during Halloween night were alcohol-related.

Safety tips for party attendees:

• Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ride-sharing, ride-hailing or taxi service.
• If you drink, do not drive — for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.

Safety tips for hosts:

1. Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
2. Prepare to call taxis or ride shares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
3. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
4. Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.