This year, with Halloween falling on a Saturday and daylight saving time ending early Sunday morning, students may have more time to attend parties, spend time with friends and enjoy the holiday. But an extra hour of celebration also presents an opportunity to think about how we can keep ourselves and others safe.
For college students, Halloween can mean more than costumes and candy. It can mean crowded parties, busy streets, late nights and plans that change as the evening unfolds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2024, among the last six holidays of the year, Halloween ranked as the second deadliest for crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08%, the legal limit for driving.
That is why we encourage students to think ahead rather than wait until something goes wrong.
For those planning to drink, knowing how to get home safely should be a priority before leaving for the night. Whether that means appointing a designated driver, calling a rideshare or making plans to stay somewhere nearby, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired.
However, Halloween safety extends beyond consumption of alcohol. Students should also look out for their friends, respect one another’s boundaries and speak up when something does not seem right. Whether that means helping a friend get home safely, checking in on someone who seems uncomfortable or making sure no one is left behind, small decisions can make a meaningful difference.
Remember that Halloween brings increased pedestrian activity, particularly in areas with bars, parties and trick-or-treaters. Drivers and pedestrians alike have a responsibility to remain attentive, especially when navigating crowded streets after dark.
Halloween should be a time to enjoy with friends and participate in the traditions that make the holiday fun. Taking safety seriously does not mean avoiding celebrations or assuming something will go wrong; it means recognizing that our choices affect not only ourselves but also the people around us.
The extra hour may give us more time to celebrate, but it should not come at the expense of our well-being. The best Halloween memories are the ones we can look back on without wishing we had made a different decision.
Categories: Opinion, Staff Editorials
