BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Halloween brings costumes, candy, and parties, but the holiday can also create added risks for drivers and pedestrians as more people take to neighborhood streets.<\/p>\n
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes nationwide on Halloween nights between 2020 and 2024, exceeding the average for a typical night.<\/p>\n
Matthew Clark, an attorney with Chain Cohn Clark and a community board member with MADD, said Halloween celebrations and impaired driving can be a dangerous combination. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, he is urging people to plan ahead before heading out.<\/p>\n
\u201cMixing alcohol, driving and Halloween is a terrible combination. Drunk driving is terrible every night of the year; it\u2019s particularly terrible on Halloween,\u201d Clark said.<\/p>\n
Bakersfield Police Sgt. Rex Davenport said the weekend timing can add to the risks, but getting home safely can be as simple as arranging a sober ride.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt becomes dangerous, and it\u2019s a little ridiculous when an Uber ride is cheaper than your last drink,\u201d Davenport said.<\/p>\n
Officials encourage anyone planning to drink to arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service or find another safe way home rather than getting behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
Drivers aren’t the only ones who need to take extra precautions on Halloween. With children walking through neighborhoods after dark, Davenport said parents should keep a close eye on younger trick-or-treaters.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let the younger ones go out unsupervised; stay on the sidewalks. It\u2019s much easier to just walk around the sidewalks and stay out of traffic,\u201d Davenport said.<\/p>\n
Clark also emphasized the importance of protecting children who will be out collecting candy and attending Halloween activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to have kids out, trick-or-treating, walking around neighborhoods. Please, please, please, don\u2019t drink and drive,\u201d Clark said.<\/p>\n
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