This Halloween, let’s make happy memories in Arizona, not tragic nightmares. The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is a buzzed driver.

This year, 2Pass Defensive Driving School is teaming up with local officials to help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many for some drivers, so if you plan to drive, plan to refrain from alcohol. If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance. Stay safe on Halloween night, and every night. Read these scary stats and commit to sober driving.

• According to 2Pass Defensive Driving School, there were 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29 percent (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in a crash in which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08.
• During the Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) during the years 2013-2017, there were 158 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• During Halloween night from 2013-2017, 42 percent of those killed were in traffic crashes that involved at least one drunk driver.
• During the 2017 Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1), there were 11 vehicle occupants and three pedestrians killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• Those under the age of 21 had the highest percentage (45%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2017.
• Drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. It is illegal to drive while drug-impaired, period. It’s essential for drivers to understand: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

The Cost of Drunk Driving

• On average, in Arizona, a DUI can set you back $12,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more.
• The financial impact from impaired driving crashes can be devastating: Based on 2010 numbers (the most recent year for which cost data is available), impaired-driving crashes cost the United States $44 billion annually.

Plan Before You Party

Don’t let plans get away from you — it’s imperative to your safety and the safety of others to plan a responsible ride home from the party. If you leave your house unprepared to get home safely, you may not make the best choices by the end of the night. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.

• 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 an Uber to get home safely.
• Use the Arizona sober ride program.
  • Designated Drivers, Inc. (Phoenix Only)
    Phone: 866-622-RIDE (7433)

    PHOENIX
    Discount Cab Free Ride Back Program
    Phone: 520-388-9000
    Hours: 24/7
    Details: Gives drivers a free ride back to their car the next day – Drivers pay for cab ride home.
    Reservations for pick up required.
    http://www.discountcab.com/options/free_ride_back.aspx

    Be My DD
    Phone: 1-877-823-6933
    Hours: 24/7
    Details: A driver takes you home in your own vehicle
    http://www.bemydd.com/our_services
    
    TUCSON
    Discount Cab Free Ride Back Program
    Phone: 520-388-9000
    Hours: 24/7
    Details: Gives drivers a free ride back to their car the next day after paying for the cab ride home.
    Reservations for pick up required.
    http://www.discountcab.com/options/free_ride_back.aspx

    University of Arizona Safe Ride
    Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 p.m. – Midnight
    Details: University of Arizona Students only – Free service, geographic boundaries apply.
    http://azsaferide.wix.com/saferide

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.