Halloween 2024 falls on Wednesday, October 31st. It's a time for spooky fun, dressing up in costumes, and celebrating the spooky season.

Here are some popular Halloween traditions:

• Trick-or-treating: Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy.
• Halloween parties: Adults and children alike gather for costume parties, games, and spooky decorations.
• Carving pumpkins: Creating jack-o'-lanterns with scary faces.
• Watching horror movies: Enjoying spooky films and television shows.

Halloween is a time to have fun, but it's also a holiday known for increased DUI arrests. To keep your night safe and legal, here are the do's and don'ts to avoid getting a DUI this Halloween:

Do's:

How to Stay Safe and Prevent Drunk Driving on Halloween

1. Plan Ahead for a Ride: If you're drinking, arrange your transportation before the party. Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or designate a sober driver in advance.

2. Pace Yourself: Keep track of how much you drink and make sure to have water between alcoholic beverages. Knowing your limit can prevent you from becoming too impaired to make responsible choices.

3. Have a Backup Plan: If your original ride falls through, have a backup plan like calling a friend, using public transportation, or staying overnight at your destination.

4. Use a Designated Driver: Appoint a sober driver for the night who won't be drinking. Rewarding them for their responsibility can make it a fun role for someone in your group.

5. Know Your Area: If you're attending a party in an unfamiliar area, research public transportation options or safe walking routes. It's easier to get home safely if you know your options.

6. Encourage Others to Be Responsible: Keep an eye on your friends and make sure no one is getting behind the wheel if they've been drinking. Helping others stay safe benefits everyone.

Don'ts:

1. Don't Drive if You've Been Drinking: Even if you feel “fine,” it's not worth the risk. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, and you could end up with a DUI or worse—causing an accident.

2. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Arrange a Ride: Don't rely on finding a ride home after you've been drinking. Plan early when your judgment is clear, so you're not tempted to drive later.

3. Don't Drink on an Empty Stomach: Drinking without eating can make you more intoxicated, faster. Have a meal before drinking so alcohol doesn't hit you harder than expected.

4. Don't Forget About Other Drugs: A DUI isn't just about alcohol. Drugs, even prescription or over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to drive. If you're taking anything that affects your mental clarity, don't drive.

5. Don't Ignore Legal Consequences: A DUI conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and license suspension. It can also raise your insurance rates and hurt your future job prospects. Always think about the long-term effects before making a risky decision.

6. Don't Assume Short Distances Are Safe: Just because you're “only driving a few blocks” doesn't mean you're safe to drive. Even short trips can result in a DUI if you're impaired. Always err on the side of caution.

Final Thoughts:

The best way to avoid a Halloween DUI is to plan ahead and make responsible decisions. Have fun this Halloween, but keep yourself and others safe by staying off the road if you've been drinking.