Authorities stressing Halloween safety early this year

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SALT LAKE CITY -- Authorities are warning that this Halloween could be one of the scariest in years because it falls on a Saturday.

Troopers will be out looking for those drunk drivers, but a free program could help keep some of them from getting behind the wheel.

"More and more, Halloween is turning into an adult holiday," says Sgt. Jeff Nigbur, spokesman for the Utah Highway Patrol.

Authorities stressing Halloween safety early this year

Tricks and treats aren't just for kids anymore, and AAA says, this year, the night could really be frightening.

"This Halloween is going to be more dangerous because it falls on a weekend," says Rolayne Fairclough, spokeswoman for AAA of Utah.

Statistics show fatal car crashes go up 40 percent when Halloween falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

It's also a big night for drunk driving. Since 2006, DUI arrests on Halloween have averaged between 300 and 350 in Utah. UHP will have a statewide DUI blitz this weekend, with more than 200 troopers on the roads.

"That's why it's so important that we put 246 troopers out, because we do have a lot of drinking and driving that night," Nigbur says.

AAA offers one solution for party-goers. On Halloween, its Tipsy Tow program will offer free rides and tow cars up to 5 miles, and you don't even have to be a AAA member to take advantage of it.

**UHP statewide Halloween DUI stats**

Year	\# of DUI arrests
Oct. 25, 2006 to Oct. 31, 2006	312
Oct. 25, 2007 to Oct. 31, 2007	319
Oct. 25, 2008 to Oct. 31, 2008	343

"There was a study once that said people are hesitant to call a cab because they have to find their car the next day, and so they make a bad decision when they're impaired," Nigbur says. But some say drivers may not be able to rely on the service. Bill Clayton says last Halloween he called Tipsy Tow and was told there was a three-hour wait. When he called back, he was told they were backed up with calls and wouldn't be able to get him. So, he took a cab home and got his car in the morning.

"I think it's a great service, but I think they should inform the public that with so much demand on it, they might not be able to get the service even though it's advertised," Clayton says.

Fairclough says she is surprised to hear about Clayton's experience and never heard of any problems with the service. She told KSL News she will address that issue.

If you are interested in using AAA' Tipsy Tow service, it will be offered 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Just call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to five miles.

E-mail: syi@ksl.com