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Safety tips for Halloween
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Drunk-driving crashes spike on Halloween  

Halloween is a fun fall holiday tradition for all ages, but a nationwide spike in Halloween drunk driving incidents every year also makes this celebration one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.
On Halloween, nearly half of all fatal crashes are alcohol-related.  
Across the country, 44 percent of all highway fatalities on Halloween night involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. And with costumed children darting onto our streets and roadways, the trick for every driver is to stay alert and sober to avoid certain tragedy.
 "Halloween should be a time for scary costumes and trick or treats with the kids," said Bob Dallas, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "But we're not talking kids' stuff anymore. And neither are the cops. That's why state and local traffic enforcement in your communities will be out in force this Halloween with a high visibility DUI enforcement blitz to crack down on drunk drivers."   
Officers will follow a zero-tolerance policy this Halloween, meaning all drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher will be arrested, no exceptions.
It’s usually up to parents to inspect their children’s Halloween candy for safety, but the Hinesville police department encourages concerned guardians to bring any suspicious looking treats into the station to be examined. Police also will dole out their own goodies to tots in costume.
Chief of Police George Stagmeier said normally Liberty County has a relatively safe holiday, and promised his officers will help in any way they can to ensure another enjoyable experience.
“Normally we have a very safe experience,” Stagmeier said. “For the most part, it’s really quiet.”
Stagmeier also encourages anyone who witnesses any illegal or suspicious activity to call the police department or, if it’s an emergency, to call 911. There will be police patrolling the city.
Stagmeier also had some advice for those who want to participate in the fun.
“We always encourage parents to go with their children,” said Stagmeier, who added giving flashlights to children and incorporating reflective material into their costumes is a good idea.
Other safety measures for parents and children include making sure trick-or-treaters only go to houses where they know the residents or where lights and decorations are present, and taking care to obey normal pedestrian and traffic laws. Children shouldn’t walk in the streets if sidewalks are available.
Stagmeier also said residents who aren’t participating in the trick-or-treat festivities should be respectful and aware of those who are.
“Drivers, motorists really need to be careful and obey the laws, especially speeding laws,” he said.
If you don’t want trick-or-treaters, turn off outside lights and remove any decorations.
Hinesville officials have suggested trick-or-treating tonight from 6-8 p.m.
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