MADD Hawai‘i warns that Halloween is one of the scariest days on the road

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is sounding the alarm on a growing threat: on Halloween, 44% of fatal car crashes are caused by impaired drivers, a 37.5% increase between 2019 and 2021, the latest year for which data is available.

Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians: more children are killed in car crashes, including those involving an impaired driver, on Halloween than on other days during the year.

“Someone is killed or injured by impaired driving every 79 seconds, every day of the year. Unfortunately, that number rises on Halloween, making it one of the scariest days on the road,” said Alice Liu, Program Director at MADD Hawai‘i. “We want everyone in Hawai‘i to realize that we’re all at greater risk of impaired drivers this Halloween. We urge you to plan ahead, exercise additional caution on the roads, and wear their seatbelts, which is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from an impaired driver.”

To combat the double digit increase in impaired driving crashes, MADD is urging parents, trick-or-treaters, and spooky revelers alike to plan ahead with MADD’s Halloween Safety Tips to prevent injuries and save lives. The organization also is supporting high visibility law enforcement efforts such as sobriety checkpoints.

“Whether you’re taking kids trick-or-treating, hosting a Halloween party, or going out on the town dressed as your favorite witch or wizard, MADD is here to help you plan ahead to stay safe this Halloween,“ said MADD National President Tess Rowland, who was severely injured by a drunk driver in 2021. “While Halloween is full of frights, nobody should have to fear becoming the victim of impaired driving. MADD is working to prevent impaired driving and support victims and survivors.”

If you, or someone you love, has been the victim of impaired driving, support is available at no cost 24 hours a day via the MADD Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435) or www.MADD.org.