MADD Urges Drivers to Plan Ahead for Halloween Parties as it is One of the Deadliest Holidays of the Fall and Winter

As Halloween approaches, MADD reminds drivers to never drive impaired.

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of Halloween, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is calling on all Americans to make responsible choices and ensure they have a safe way home before any festivities begin. Halloween is already ranked one of the deadliest nights for pedestrians, especially children. MADD reminds parents, trick-or-treaters, and drivers to be vigilant about impaired driving and urges anyone who plans to drink to arrange safe transportation.

During the 2024 Halloween holiday period, 143 people were killed in vehicle traffic crashes, including 43 people in crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Among the six holidays at the end of the year, analyzed in the latest available data, Halloween ranked second deadliest, behind Thanksgiving Eve (145 deaths), and ahead of Christmas Eve (119), Christmas Day (116) and New Year's Eve (86). 

"Halloween should be about celebrating with family and friends—not making a decision that could change a life forever," said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD. "With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we want to remind everyone to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home before the celebration begins. Lives depend on it." 

Halloween brings more children, teens and adults into neighborhoods after dark, making it especially important to be vigilant, stay alert and watch your environment closely. 

"Drivers need to slow down, stay focused and be prepared for children and families who may be crossing or walking near the roadway," Stewart said.

MADD's Halloween Safety Tips – Keep Families Safe on the Roads 

1. Plan Ahead – Never Drive Impaired: 
   
   If you plan to drink during Halloween festivities, make a plan before the night begins. Use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit.
   
   
   
   
2. Keep Trick-or-Treaters Visible: 
   
   Adults should supervise children. Use glow sticks, reflective tape, and light-colored costumes. Skip masks that block vision. Stick to sidewalks and crosswalks, ideally walk in groups.
   
   
   
   
3. Sober Drivers: Stay Alert: 
   
   Watch for impaired drivers and excited trick-or-treaters. Buckle up, drive slowly, and stay focused, especially in residential neighborhoods.
   
   
   
   
4. Talk to Teens About Risky Behavior: 
   
   Halloween is a good time for parents to discuss underage drinking and safe choices. MADD's Power of Parents handbook is a proven tool to start the conversation.
   
   
   
   
5. See Something? Say Something: 
   
   If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911. One call could save a life. 

This Halloween, plan the party—and plan the ride home. A few minutes of planning can help ensure everyone makes it home safely. 

About MADD 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 51%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)