Orland Park Police: Don't Drink And Drive This Halloween

ORLAND PARK, IL — Halloween is weeks away here in Orland Park and the police department is reminding residents to be responsible on the road.

Kids will head out to trick-or-treat this Oct. 31, and adults may choose to head out to parties and get-togethers. While all is fun, there is a chance for an increase of drunk drivers on the road, according to Orland police.

To help spread the message that "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving," the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with the Orland Park Police Department to remind every one of the dangers of drunk driving, according to a news release from the village.

Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween, as more pedestrians are out at night on the hunt for candy. If your night involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Remember: It’s never safe to drink and drive.

The release states that between 2015 and 2019, there were 126 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. According to NHTSA, 41 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night from 2015 to 2019 were in crashes involving a drunk driver.

Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage 62 percent of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2019, the release states.

“With Halloween on a Sunday this year, we’re certain to see extra parties throughout the weekend, and every single partygoer should plan their sober ride home in advance” said Orland Park Police Chief Joe Mitchell. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Even one drink can be one too many. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

According to the release, about one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations at or above .08 grams per deciliter). In 2019, there were 10,142 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.

The village asks residents to not contribute to these deaths by driving drunk this Halloween. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians — whether they be children trick-or-treating or adults who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle, the release states.

“We want our community to have a fun night out on Halloween, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices,” Mitchell said. “In today’s world, there are many options available to drivers to help them get home safely if they’ve been drinking. We expect drivers to refrain from driving after drinking,” he said.

In addition to legal repercussions, there are potential financial costs to driving and drinking. If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages, the release states.

The village is encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday with a plan. If residents plan to head out for a night of Halloween partying, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial 9-1-1.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

More information can be seen here.