Halloween is only a few weeks away, which means roads throughout the country will be filled with children in costumes and adults headed to spooky parties. Like most holidays, DUI attorneys notice a bump in arrests on Halloween, as police look for intoxicated drivers who put kids and other motorists at risk. While you should still enjoy your holiday, taking some extra care and planning ahead can prevent accidents, protect trick-or-treaters, and ensure everyone gets home safely.

5 Safe Driving Tips for Halloween

1. Avoid Residential Areas

The safest approach to safe Halloween driving is to avoid residential areas altogether. If possible, stick to main roads and highways, where you’re much less likely to encounter kids or adults celebrating the holiday.

2. Watch for Small Children

Of course, Halloween brings children out into the street in droves, and not all of them are old enough to cross safely. If you do have to drive through a residential area, keep an eye on the edges of the street, and be ready to brake if a small child darts out in front of you.

3. Slow Down

Residential areas and some commercial districts host children’s Halloween parties and pass out candy, so drive much slower than you normally would. Some kids’ costumes can be especially difficult to spot at night, so drive cautiously, even if you don’t see any pedestrians around.

4. Be Careful Backing Up

Young children don’t always understand the dangers of walking behind a vehicle, so be careful backing out of your driveway. Parallel parking can also be dangerous, so look for children walking between parked cars before you back in.

5. Use a Designated Driver

If you’re heading to a party where alcohol will be served, always use a designated driver or call a ride service. Investing a little money in your ride home can help you avoid serious fines, DUI attorney’s fees, and the possibility of hurting someone.

If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence, you need legal representation by a trusted DUI attorney with an established track record of success. For over 35 years, Lane K. Bennett, Attorney at Law, has been an aggressive advocate for the rights of defendants throughout Kalispell, MT, offering strategies based on the latest developments in criminal law. Visit their website for more information on their wide range of criminal defense services, or call (406) 752-7300 to consult with a respected DUI attorney today.