As communities gear up for Halloween, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7 Office is teaming up with State Highway Safety Offices in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to remind everyone: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drivers are urged to commit to sober driving to protect themselves, passengers, pedestrians, and fellow road users. In 2022 alone, drunk driving claimed a life every 39 minutes on U.S. roads.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a deadly factor in fatal crashes, especially on Halloween night. Between 2018 and 2022, 192 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes during Halloween, including 31 pedestrians. In 171 of these cases, a driver’s blood alcohol level was .08 or higher, with those ages 21-34 making up 54% of the fatalities.

Drivers can stay safe on Halloween by planning a sober ride home in advance. Impairment clouds judgment, so arranging for a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare before drinking is essential. If a friend has been drinking, step in—take their keys and help them find a safe way home. Anyone who notices a drunk driver on the road should report it to local law enforcement.

“A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning to get to your destinations and back home safely. Those who are going out and intend to drink should make sure to have a designated sober driver or plan a sober ride home,” said NHTSA Region 7 Administrator Susan DeCourcy “We’re partnering with local law enforcement to remind motorists that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If you feel any buzz, you should stay away from the driver’s seat.”