Talbot Partnership for Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Prevention wants to remind parents that Halloween is an ideal time to talk with your child about healthy decisions and choices. Halloween night is one of the deadliest nights of the year because of those driving under the influence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on Halloween night in 2009, 48 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Talbot Partnership would like to share these tips from MADD to help ensure everyone’s safety this Halloween:
· Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin
· Never serve those under the age of 21 alcohol
· Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the party
· Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans or individual circumstances change

Going trick-or-treating:

Be extra alert when crossing the street
Wear bright, reflective clothing or add reflective tape to costume and treat bucket
Bring a flashlight (with extra batteries) so you can see and be seen at night

Parents, remember you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21, under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission. You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than you own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.

Please help protect your child’s bright future by providing a safe, alcohol-free Halloween for your son or daughter. Parents have more influence than they think on their teens’ use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. For more tips on parenting substance-free youth, visit www.talbotpartnership.org. Parents may also sign up on the website for Talbot Partnership’s new E-Newsletter, which also offers tips for parents.