Halloween and the threat of drunk or reckless drivers

Aside from ghosts and goblins, there are real dangers to Halloween. Among the biggest threats are drunk or reckless drivers. South Carolina residents who intend to party on Halloween or have children who will be trick-or-treating should consider the following safety tips from AAA.

Based on national statistics, the peak for fatal drunk-driving crashes is between 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 6 a.m. on Nov. 1. Between 2012 and 2016, 44 percent of the traffic crashes that occurred during this 12-hour period involved at least one drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. In 2016, nearly half of the fatal drunk-driving crashes were due to drivers between 21 and 34 years old.

It should be kept in mind that even one alcoholic beverage could impair driving. Partygoers should plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging for ride-hailing services. They should look out for their friends, too. When driving, it's important to slow down since children may dart out from behind parked cars or mid-street.

Parents of trick-or-treaters should plan a route beforehand, and children younger than 12 should be accompanied from house to house. For added safety, parents should consider putting reflective tape on their children’s costumes to improve visibility.

A reckless driver who causes a car accident may be held liable for certain damages. In some cases, they may even have to pay out punitive damages. A crash victim may want to consult with a lawyer to see if they have good grounds for a claim. The lawyer could hire third parties in the effort to strengthen the case. For example, medical experts could show that the reported injuries are all accident related.