With Halloween around the corner, London Police, Provincial Police and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers London are reminding drivers not to drive impaired but to find a safe drive home this weekend.
Police explain that with more kids out trick-or-treating in the dark and people heading home from a night out, impaired driver can become more of a risk then usual.
According to OPP, West Region recorded that impaired driver charges between Jan. to Sept. have been down six per cent compared to the same time frame last year.
Despite the decrease, MADD London and Area says impaired driving continues to put lives at risk, and those risks can be avoided.
“Because it’s not an accident, you know, getting behind the wheel impaired is completely 100% preventable. And so these aren’t accidents, these are tragedies and horrific crashes, collisions,” said Aaron Tennant, a volunteer and board member with MADD London and Area.
Impaired driving cases that happened recently have shown the dangers.
On Oct. 22, London Police charged a 22-year-old man after allegedly driving under the influence on Upper Queen Street causing a collison that resulted in the death of a woman.
Earlier on Oct. 4, another London man was charged with impaired driving after allegedly crashing with an ambulence and another car.
London Police Constable Gavin Dell, says RIDE programs will be ran this weekend.
“But anytime around big events like Halloween, ride programs are conducted. And I’m sure individuals will see us out on the road throughout the weekend,” Dell said.
Impaired driving charges have also been down in the surronding area.
Middlesex dropped 24 per cent, Oxford went down 26 per cent and Elgin had a 19 per cent decrease.
Across the OPP West Region, there have been three fatal crashes where the main cause was impaired driving compared to 13 last year.
OPP Regional Media Relations Coordinator Derek Rogers, says Halloween causes more danger for children with darkness and costumes that make them harder to see.
“So, you know, we would ask anyone that’s going to drink to make other choices other than getting behind the wheel, because young lives depend upon it,” Rogers said.
Tennant says alcohol and drugs can affect a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making it harder to respond to hazards on the road.
He is also reminding families to stay alert while trick-or-treating.
“So it would be a message as well to the trick-or-treaters to keep an open eye and never assume that a driver can see you,” Tennant said.
Police are encouraging anyone attending Halloween parties to arrange a designated driver, taxi or rideshare before heading out.
“There’s no occasion worth risking a life,” Dell said.
