Drunk Driving

How many kids will you kill this Halloween?

Austin is notorious for its legendary Sixth Street where any day can become a party day, especially among college students.

It should then come as no surprise that, according to the Austin Police Department, 22 people were arrested last year for public intoxication citywide and 18 people were arrested for DUI/DWI citywide between the hours of 6 p.m. Halloween night and 6 a.m. the next morning.

So, in the span of 12 hours, a total of 40 people were arrested for reasons related to alcohol.

Add to these statistics the fact that, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving's website, Texas ranks number one in all the states for alcohol-related fatalities, and you can see how Halloween could be a dangerous time for kids who are trick-or-treating.

Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing legally wrong with deciding to party with your friends and family on Halloween. However, it is morally wrong for people to choose their desire to have fun over the safety of others.

Out of all the nights of the year, Halloween is the night when kids are most likely to be walking down the same streets where drunk drivers may be driving.

Do not put yourself in a situation where, if you choose to be drinking, you will not have a designated driver. Save the number of a cab company in your phone in case you do not have a sober ride home.

Weigh the pros and cons of going out to drink, and don't wind up driving home in a risky situation. Use some common sense.

I know plenty of people will feel they have been told this, but remember, just because there is not a car accident every time you drive home drunk, does not mean that there will never be one.

All it takes is one mistake that you could regret forever.

In particular, Halloween is a night for kids to be on the streets, so, of any night, you should exercise a little more common sense than normal.

Let's have fun in a responsible way. Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean you should forget that you are an adult and your reckless behavior might have the direst of consequences.