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Halloween is Friday, still four days away. But it's not too early to be scared. Law enforcement agencies are already reminding people to be safe. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, drunk driving is a big concern.
The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) says Halloween can be just as dangerous as New Year's Eve, especially when it falls on a weekend. You have partiers and trick-or-treaters mixing together, and troopers are asking people to plan ahead.
"One, make sure you drink responsibly. Find another way home if possible. But two, make sure you're aware of the kids that are going to be out there on the roadways," warned UHP spokesman Trooper Cameron Roden.
UHP says there will be DUI checkpoints and extra patrols across the state on both Friday and Saturday nights. Troopers say Halloween can be one of the most dangerous holidays on the roads.
"They may not plan ahead as much and think, ‘I'm going to be drinking. I need to find a ride home.' There's not usually as many programs to get people home," Roden said.
AAA reports the number of motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween rises an average of 30 percent when it falls on a weekend.
Companies like City Cab hope to lower those numbers and give people a safe trip home. "It's just a crazy night, so it should be really busy," said David Jackson, co-owner of City Cab.
Friday night, Jackson's company will be operating at full staff, with extra people answering phones.
"So they can go out, they feel like they can drink and party or whatever and not be out on the road driving. So in that way, really we're saving lives," Jackson said.
City Cab says because it will be a busy night, if you need a taxi, you might want to call ahead of time.
Also, AAA will be offering a free short-distance tow for people who are unable to drive home.
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
