Halloween has become a dangerous and deadly time of year due to a jump in drunk driving.

Halloween has become a dangerous and deadly time of year due to a jump in drunk driving, warn Prince William County Police. More than 40 percent of the nation’s traffic fatalities that occur on Halloween night are tied to alcohol abuse, PWPD says.

To combat this, the Prince William County Police urge all Halloween party-goers to designate a sober driver. In addition, police remind all motorists to wear a safety belt as the best defense against an impaired driver.

That’s why Prince William County police are joining with other national, state and local highway safety officials this season to promote the designated driver message before the Halloween parties begin.

Police are putting out this Halloween slogan – “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” Anyone planning on using alcohol this Halloween should play it smart and designate a sober driver before the party begins, say police.

Prince William County Police offer these simple reminders for a safer Halloween weekend:
• Be responsible and never drive impaired.

• If you plan to drink, choose your sober driver before going out.

• Once impaired, use mass transit, call a cab or ask a sober friend to get you home. This year, SoberRide is again offering free taxi rides to impaired persons (up to a $30 fare) from 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, to 4 a.m. on Friday, Nov.1. Call 1-800-200-TAXI to arrange for a ride.

• If all else fails, just stay where you are and sleep it off.

• Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against an impaired driver.

• If you are hosting a Halloween party, make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

Designate a sober driver – don’t let your Halloween turn into a real-life nightmare.