How to stay safe during Halloween

Halloween is almost here and so is the time to let loose and forget about mid-term woes. However, scary good times can become a real nightmare if safety isn’t a concern. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to stay safe and have the most fun while doing so.

Even though it is tempting, do not binge drink or drink in excess. Seriously. This is one of the easiest ways to get into trouble. Severe intoxication can lead to unintentional injuries, sexual assault or alcohol poisoning. According to the Center for Disease Control, binge drinking “corresponds to five or more drinks on a single occasion for men or four or more drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within two hours.” Some quick tips to avoid drinking too much are: slow down and sip drinks, eat food and consume water with it.

Next, never leave drinks unattended, even if alcohol is not involved. Seriously, juice and soda can be spiked as well. This is important while partying with large groups of people or people you don’t know. Symptoms of a spiked drink include: feeling drowsy or drunker than expected, memory loss and hallucinations. If someone is experiencing any signs of severe intoxication after a single alcoholic beverage or after a glass of soda, get them to a safe place. If their condition worsens in any way, find them a ride to the nearest emergency room or call an ambulance.

Now, don’t drink and drive, ever. It is a risk to you and to other motorists. Drinking and driving leads to erratic driving, arrest, and even death. The legal limit for driving in all 50 states is 0.08% blood alcohol content. Several factors contribute to how long it takes for an individual’s BAC to reach 0.08%, including size, age and sex. While it is technically safe to drive after one standard drink, the best choice is to never drink and drive. You can be impaired and arrested for driving with a BAC less than 0.08%.

Holidays are great fun, but care should always be taken, so, stick together, don’t drink too much and never leave a friend behind. Remember to have fun and enjoy a safe Halloween.