LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials are warning both drivers and pedestrians to be especially careful and aware this Halloween.
As the spooky holiday approaches, officials are reminding Kentuckians that buzzed driving is drunk driving, and to be safe, sober and watchful for pedestrians while behind the wheel.
Last year in Kentucky, there were 4,324 highway crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths. Over the Halloween weekend, 53 alcohol-involved collisions resulted in one death and 34 injuries, according to KYTC.
“You may feel like you’re fine, but consuming drugs or alcohol not only impairs your ability to drive, but it also clouds your judgment about whether you should even be on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Gray. “Impairment slows your reaction time, coordination, and decision-making – putting not only your life at risk but also the lives of everyone around you. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to devastating consequences.”
Secretary Gray urged drivers to be extra cautious of pedestrians during Halloween, whether it’s children out trick-or-treating or adults who are under the influence of a substance.
“Walking while intoxicated can be just as dangerous as driving impaired,” Gray said. “A lack of awareness of your surroundings puts pedestrians at serious risk of being struck by a vehicle.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers.
Follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
- Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
- If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement. You may call the Kentucky State Police toll-free line at 1-800-222-5555 or use the one-touch dial feature through the Kentucky State Police’s app. Callers will remain anonymous and should provide a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel, and license number if possible.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and arrange for a safe ride home.
- Always wear a seat belt while in a vehicle. It is not only the law; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
- Use caution if walking while intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risks still exist.
For more information on drinking and driving, click here.
