The spookiest part of Halloween isn’t the ghosts or clowns. For children Halloween means trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins, but for college students, Halloween means increased drinking and partying. With an increase in these activities comes a scary increase in safety hazards.
AUPD Assistant Vice President of University Safety and Security Services Philip Morse shared some tips to help keep you safe on and off campus this Halloween.
Plan ahead with a group
Morse said that there is, “safety in numbers.” When getting an invite to a party, it’s easy to jump at the opportunity and head out alone. However, it is important to bring someone that you can trust and stay with throughout the evening.
Morse suggests planning ahead.
“Talk to friends about what to do if you get separated and think about your transportation needs ahead of time,” said Morse
If using a rideshare to get home, make sure to use an app, avoiding getting in cars that are accepting riders in the area.
To get a rideshare you will need your phone. You never know when there could be an emergency.
“Be sure your phone is fully charged before you go out for the night and make sure the volume is turned on in case a friend is trying to reach you,” said Morse.
Beware of costumes
Dressing up in costumes is a staple of Halloween. However, they can lead to some unexpected issues.
“Be sure to wear something that you can move in. Masks and wigs can accidentally cover your eyes, impairing your vision,” said Morse.
“Be kind but cautious, be on your toes when meeting new people who are wearing costumes,” he said, “especially outfits that hide their faces or change their voices.”
Despite the possible problems that can come with costumes, there are a few benefits.
“Keep cash tucked inside your pocket or costume. It could wind up being cab fare or other emergency money,” said Morse.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol has become a popular activity for college students on Halloween. A study by The Recovery Village found that on average, college students who drink on Halloween have 6.3 alcoholic beverages.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as four drinks or more for women and five or men over the course of several hours. Binge drinking can lead to violence, alcohol abuse and more.
“If you drink, do so in moderation,” said Morse. “Never drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol and never get into a car with an intoxicated driver.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2016 and 2020, there were 129 drunk driving fatalities in the United States on Halloween. Adults from ages 21 to 38 made up 68% of these fatalities, meaning college students fall under the largest category of drunk driving fatalities on Halloween.
Look out for each other
Morse calls the well being of you and your friends a “shared responsibility.”
“If you see something happening, do not be a bystander,” said Morse. “Summon help immediately and intervene if you can do so safely.”
As alcohol is a large part of party culture, it is important to know how to help a friend, or to call for someone who does.
“If a friend becomes intoxicated or ill, call for help and stay with your friend until help arrives,” he said.
This all comes with being prepared. Go out with people you trust, know how you’re getting home and stay aware of your surroundings and your friends.
“Trust your instinct,” said Morse. “Leave the party, do not accept the drink, or just say no to whatever it is that is making you uncomfortable. Your safety is more important than a party or upsetting a friend.”
Whether you are planning a night out, trick-or-treating or a scary movie marathon, these tips can help make Halloween a little less spooky and a little more safe.