Halloween is here and with it comes many festive activities including carving pumpkins, eating candy and costume parties. While most college students do not trick-or-treat anymore, many like to go out late at night or get together to celebrate the holiday. These things can be fun, but without some common safety knowledge, some situations can get serious pretty quick. Here are some tips that can help everyone stay safe and still have fun during this spooky season!
Several different types of events can happen during the week of Halloween; most of these happen in the evening or at night. This can mean that there are more pedestrians than usual out and about at later times, so it is essential to be extra cautious when driving.
On Halloween night, the majority of pedestrians will be parents with small children. So, when driving during trick-or-treating hours, be even more watchful for children and keep in mind that they might run into the road unintentionally or not understand how traffic rules work.
For college students, Halloween is a big holiday for parties or get-togethers. Since alcohol can sometimes be involved, especially late at night, it is crucial to either limit the amount consumed or dedicate a safe and sober driver when the party is over. If able, another solution may be to call or stay overnight with a trusted friend. A staggering 30% of all traffic related deaths in the US are from drunk driving, so be sure to have a plan for when it is time to go home.
When dealing with alcohol or other substances, be mindful of where they came from and who gave them out. Knowing these things can help when something is out of the ordinary or seems different than normal.
When drinking, it is a good idea to balance out each drink with water or something non-alcoholic. Remember to keep a count of how many drinks you have and keep watch over friends who are drinking as well. Knowing the limit of consumption for yourself and others can save lives.
If driving or getting a ride is not an option, walking is another way. Walking in groups is one way to stay safe at night, as well as avoiding poorly lit areas. Always keeping in contact with trusted friends or other adults can be beneficial. A great on-campus resource that is available 24/7 is Campus Safety, who can come pick up and drop off wherever you need.
If you or someone else is feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome, it is okay to leave the situation. These tips can save lives and keep the celebration going without unwanted situations. Be mindful and have a happy Halloween!
