UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio — As Wyandot County communities prepare for Halloween celebrations, the Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, including on Halloween night. Marijuana-impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired cognitive performance, and difficulty keeping a steady position in their lane — factors that can lead to dangerous situations. So far in 2025, driving impaired by alcohol or other drugs was a factor in 4% of all Wyandot County traffic crashes, but was overrepresented as a factor in 10% of all injury crashes in the county.
“Whether your Halloween plans involve trick-or-treating, heading to a parade or costume contest, or enjoying some witches brew or devil’s lettuce, planning to get to and from festivities safely is an important part of celebrating Halloween,” Wyandot County Safe Communities Coordinator Callan McMillion said. “If you feel any buzz, you should stay away from the driver’s seat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help getting home safely from friends or family when you’ve had alcohol or marijuana.”
Forget the ghosts and zombies, the scariest thing to do on Halloween is to forget to plan for a sober ride home before drinking alcohol or using marijuana. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Waiting to plan a sober ride home can come back to haunt impaired drivers, their passengers, road users, trick-or-treaters, pedestrians, and the law enforcement and EMS workers who respond to impaired driving crashes. Those serving as designated drivers should be real ghoul’s ghouls and honor the commitment to sober driving for themselves, their passengers, and others on Wyandot County roadways.
Ensure 2025 Halloween celebrations are more fun than fright, by:
- Planning for a 100% sober ride home before drinking, using marijuana, or using other drugs that impair reaction times, including prescriptions.
- Intervening if a friend or family member plans to drive home impaired by taking keys away and finding a sober ride or providing a safe place to stay.
- Offering sober guests and designated drivers festive mocktail options at parties where alcohol will be served.
- Reporting drunk and impaired driving to local law enforcement agencies.
The Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition wishes Wyandot County residents a fun and safe Halloween. For more information, follow @WyandotHealth on social media or visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
