October 26, 2005

Lansing - With nearly 42 percent of Michigan’s traffic fatalities over Halloween weekend related to alcohol the last three years, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) announced today that 14 counties will receive federal traffic safety funds to patrol for drunk drivers the days leading up to Halloween.

Last year, two out of five traffic fatalities during Halloween weekend (Oct. 29-30) were alcohol related, according to crash statistics.

"Halloween has become a dangerous and deadly time of year because of a jump in drunk driving," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director. "Don’t let your Halloween turn into a nightmare. Law enforcement officers will be out in full force to catch, stop and arrest impaired drivers."

An average of eight traffic fatalities occurred during the Friday and Saturday of Halloween weekend in Michigan each year from 2002-2004. Of these fatalities, 41.6 percent involved alcohol. On average, 37 percent of Michigan traffic fatalities involve alcohol and/or drugs.

OHSP is administering federal traffic safety funds for the Halloween enforcement activity to law enforcement agencies in the following counties: Bay, Dickinson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Marquette, Mason, Menominee, Midland, Ottawa, St. Clair, Shiawassee and Wayne.

Patrols will run from Oct. 27-31, with a heavy emphasis on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

OHSP also offers these tips for a safer Halloween weekend:

• Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.
• Take the keys and never let a friend drive while drunk.
• If impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend to get you.
• Stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• If you’re hosting a party, make sure all your guests leave with a sober driver.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.