(The following is an Arlington County Police Department news release published on October 22, 2021.)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Select a Sober Ride Home

Community Outreach Event

 ARLINGTON, Va. – Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. To help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, the Arlington County Police Department, in partnership with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), is hosting a Halloween anti-drunk driving event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills. This free event is open to the public and will take place on Friday, October 29th at the intersection of N. Hudson Street and Wilson Boulevard, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2015 and 2019, there were 126 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night nationwide (6 p.m. October 31 – 5:59 a.m. November 1). 41% of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night from 2015 to 2019 were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (62%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2019. That’s why the Arlington County Police Department is reminding the community that nothing is scarier on Halloween night than an impaired driver.

Celebrate with a Plan

Don’t let drunk driving haunt your celebrations – if you plan to drink, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

  • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
  • The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2021 Halloween SoberRide® program is offering free rides home, in partnership with Lyft, from 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 31.
  • If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Road Closure

N. Hudson Street between Wilson Boulevard and 13th Street N. will be closed from approximately 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM to accommodate this.

Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs in the area. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.