Safety officials and advocates emphasize the dangers of distraction, speeding, and impaired driving

Rhode Island safety officials and advocates today held a joint news conference highlighting the importance of safe driving this Halloween and urging Rhode Islanders to avoid distractions, follow speed limits, and plan for a sober ride home. According to NHTSA, nearly half of all traffic fatalities that occurred on Halloween night were alcohol-related, based on 2023 data.

"The message is simple," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti. "Don’t do the things that cause crashes. Make the right decision. Plan ahead for a designated driver if you and your fellow ghosts and goblins want to drink. Don’t text those witches and warlocks while you are driving. Don’t get spooked and speed to that Halloween party. And wear your seatbelt over your Buzz Lightyear costume."

"Every year, Halloween brings more people out on our roads, and with the holiday falling on a Friday, we expect even more activity," said Chief Ryan Duffy, Chief of Newport Police and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. "Families will be out trick-or-treating while others head to parties or events. That combination can be dangerous. Please stay focused behind the wheel, slow down, and if your plans involve alcohol or cannabis, make sure you have a safe and sober ride home."

"Candy may be the focus at Halloween, but when it comes to pedestrian safety on the big day, the numbers are anything but sweet," said Mary Maguire, Vice President of Public/Government Affairs at AAA Northeast. "Halloween is actually one of the deadliest nights of the year for young pedestrians, based on an analysis of federal crash data by AAA Northeast."

"With all that excitement comes the need to be extra careful," said Lara D'Antuono, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Warwick. "Kids will be out walking after dark, running from house to house, and there'll be more traffic on the roads. So we're asking everyone — especially drivers — to slow down, stay alert, and put the phone away."

"As a victim, I know the struggles associated with the trauma of a car crash at the hands of an impaired driver," said Lisa Brunetti, Founder of Universe Juice. "Halloween night is difficult to navigate for any driver, adding drugs and/or alcohol into the mix is a recipe for disaster. It should be a night of fun and excitement for children and their families. We need everyone on the road to ensure they are sober and free of distractions to keep the children safe so they can enjoy the magic of the night."

Additional information:

So far this year, there have been 32 motor vehicle-related fatalities in Rhode Island.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that Halloween consistently ranks among the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
NHTSA reports that between 2019 and 2023, during the Halloween night:
198 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher.
176 people lost their lives in crashes involving a drunk driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. Among those victims were 30 pedestrians and 145 drivers and passengers.

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Contact:

Cara Cromwell

(401) 440-0090

cara@cromwellpublicaffairs.com