Prevent the Halloween nighmare - don't drink and drive Published Oct. 18, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Brown 27 SOW Safety CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Don't let Halloween turn into a nightmare is a reference to both the spirit of Halloween and the possibility of arrest or crashes due to impaired driving. Night is an especially dangerous time to be on the road, but Halloween night is often one of the deadliest nights of the year for impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state. Impaired driving is one of America's most-often-committed and deadliest crimes. In 2009, 2670 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with BAC of .08 or higher. When planning to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person the vehicle keys. If impaired by alcohol, call a taxi, use transit or call a sober friend or family member for a ride home. Death and injuries from motor vehicle crashes can be prevented. The number one obvious way is to not drink and drive and always have a plan. Halloween related injuries can be prevented, but it is up to individuals to make safe choices and take responsibility for themselves and their families.