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WASHINGTON (AP) -- With Halloween falling on a Friday this fall, AAA is warning that can lead to what it calls a "frightening" spike in the number of drunk driving deaths.
The auto club cites federal highway statistics that show the number of motor vehicle fatalities increases an average of 30 percent when Halloween falls on a weekend compared to other days of the week. And it says nearly half of those fatal crashes are alcohol-related.
AAA is urging both partygoers and trick-or-treaters to make plans to keep themselves safe. For trick-or-treaters and their parents, they recommend bright, reflective costumes that make a child easy to see, or short of that, adding reflective tape to costumes or treat buckets. Among other precautions, AAA also recommends bringing a flashlight with fresh batteries.
For those headed to parties, the auto club suggests planning a travel route that avoids residential areas. It also says to make sure the driver has not been drinking, or consider staying overnight.
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