ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that state police and local law enforcement will increase patrols leading up to Halloween, targeting impaired and reckless drivers.

The application period runs from Friday, October 25 through Thursday, October 31 and is funded by the Governor’s Highway Safety Committee.

“Responsible choices are key to making sure all New Yorkers have a safe and fun Halloween.” Hochul said in a statement. “If you’re going to celebrate, plan to have a sober ride home. Thank you to the New York State Police and our local law enforcement for keeping our children, communities and holidays safe and fun.”

During the enforcement period, drivers can expect more sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI patrols. In addition to targeting impaired drivers, law enforcement officers will also look for distracted or speeding drivers.

Under the initiative last year, law enforcement officers issued 32,866 citations and 1,182 drivers were arrested for impaired driving and 6,495 drivers were ticketed for speeding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is an especially deadly night due to the high number of impaired drivers on the road and the significant increase in pedestrians. In 2022, 72 people died in road accidents on Halloween night. Of these deaths, 46% occurred in alcohol-related crashes.

Children who play tricks and those who accompany them are also at increased risk. According to AAA Northeast, from 2007 to 2021, federal crash data shows that Halloween is the deadliest day for child pedestrians under the age of 18. A total of 49 children nationwide were killed on Halloween during that period, nearly double the next deadliest day.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the State Department of Health share the following helpful safety guidelines for parents, caregivers and drivers to help avoid injuries and ensure a safe and happy Halloween.

“Enforcement periods like this are needed to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving,” Mark JF Schroeder, commissioner of the state Department of Motor Vehicles, said in a press release. “We want everyone to be safe and enjoy the Halloween festivities. Kids and parents should never have to worry about getting home safe when they go trick-or-treating.”

In addition to offering safety tips before Halloween, the state Department of Health promotes pedestrian safety year-round through the See! Be seen! The Pedestrian Safety Initiative, which recently included a “Safe Street: Daisy Ride” campaign to teach kids in grades K-5 some simple rules of the road to help them cross the street safely.

For drivers who may need a ride home after Halloween parties, the Governor’s Committee on Traffic Safety and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation. “You have a plan” the mobile app is available for Apple and Android smartphones. The app allows New Yorkers to find and call a taxi service and schedule a list of designated drivers. It also provides information about DWI laws and penalties and a way to report a suspected impaired driver.

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Safety tips for pedestrians

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– Walk on a sidewalk if there is one and use crosswalks. In areas without sidewalks, walk in front of traffic.

– Look left, right and left again and keep looking as you cross the street.

– Watch your reversing cars and never go out between parked cars.

– Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone. Stick to well-lit and familiar areas.

– To be safe, join other families and go together. Walking in groups always makes you more visible.

– When choosing costumes for children, make sure that the child will be fully visible. Wear reflective clothing such as wristbands and shoes, carry a flashlight or glow sticks, or place reflective tape on costumes or trick bags.

– Make sure shoes, hats and suits fit well. A suit that is too long can be a tripping hazard when walking. Hats and masks should not block vision.

– Do not use mobile phones or wear headphones. Always be aware of your surroundings.

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Safety tips for drivers

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– Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. You may have to stop for tricks, which can add to your travel time.

– Slow down and continuously scan the road in areas where tricks are likely to be found or where visibility is limited. Lower speeds save lives.

– Be alert for pedestrians who may emerge from between parked cars or from behind bushes. Stop and wait for it to pass.

– Look for pedestrians, especially before turning a green light and turning right on a red light.

– Pay attention! Don’t look at your phone while driving. Always keep your attention on the road.

– If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.