Ghosts, goblins and ghouls run amok this coming Monday as Halloween rears its spooky head once more over Denver. But take heed – Halloween is one of those holidays where people like to party. And where there are parties, there is alcohol.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be engaged in The Heat Is On this Halloween weekend, the drunk driving awareness and prevention campaign that puts more law enforcement on the roads to prevent DUIs. The campaign will run from Friday, October 28 through Tuesday, November 1.

Data from Denver-based Alcohol Monitoring Systems (AMS) suggests that the Saturday before Halloween may lead to 4 ½ times higher rates of alcohol violations compared to the typical weekend. Additionally, the data suggests that alcohol violations on Halloween itself will jump 19 percent.

Planning Ahead for a Scary Good Time

There’s nothing wrong with imbibing spirits and allowing Halloween to possess you in celebration this holiday, but we encourage caution if you plan on drinking. Here are some tips to help make sure you don’t end up in a jail cell with four other guys dressed in the same creepy clown outfit you are wearing (imagine the embarrassment!):

1. Before you start drinking, know how you are going to get home. It’s easy to forego planning ahead once you’re two deep into a six pack of pumpkin spice beer or Jeepers Creepers Jell-O shots. Arrange for a designated driver or look into our many public options, including ridesharing, cabs and the bus system.
2. Before you put your costume on, save the phone numbers of local cab companies and download the ridesharing apps onto your phone. It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
3. On your way to the party/club/mausoleum/abandoned psychiatric hospital, keep an eye on other drivers. Even if you have planned ahead to prevent DUI, there’s a chance other drivers have not. Slow down, watch out for trick-or-treaters and stay away from any erratic drivers.