AAA New Mexico: AAA Urges Adult Partygoers to Plan Halloween Safety in Advance

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Oct 23 (MARKET WIRE) --
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, more motorists are expected
to be out the same night trick-or-treaters take to the streets. AAA New
Mexico urges adult partygoers to make plans in advance to stay safe.

"Both motorists and pedestrians should take extra caution and make sure
this is a safe and happy Halloween for everyone," said AAA New Mexico
spokesperson Sarah Schimmer.

The National Retail Federation reports two out of three adults ages 18 to
24 plan to throw or attend a Halloween party this year. The number of
motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween rises an average of 30 percent when
October 31 is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, compared to other days of
the week, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA).

AAA suggests partygoers reduce their risk of being involved in a motor
vehicle crash by doing some advance planning. Motorists should remember
excited trick-or-treaters often forget about safety and be even more
alert.

Partygoers & Hosts

-- Make plans to get home safely. If intending to consume alcohol, make
plans to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or ensuring cab
service is available from the party location.
-- Consider an overnight stay. If attending a party at a friend's home,
consider asking to stay overnight. If participating in festivities in a
downtown or commercial area, look into hotel accommodations within walking
distance. Many hotels offer special Halloween weekend rates and promotions.
-- Have safe transportation options ready. If hosting a party with
alcohol, compile a list of phone numbers including local cab companies and
organizations offering designated driver services to have readily available
should guests need a safe way home.
-- Plan your travel route carefully. Try to avoid cutting through
residential areas that will likely have a large number of trick-or-
treaters. If providing directions to a party, make sure to not route guests
through residential areas unnecessarily.
-- Take care of designated drivers and offer alternatives to alcohol.
Plan to have non-alcoholic drink options available for designated drivers
and others. Serve plenty of food so partygoers do not drink on empty
stomachs.

AAA offers an in-depth list of Halloween safety tips for motorists
online at www.AAA.com/publicaffairs.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA
provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial
and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the
not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for
the safety and security of all travelers. AAA New Mexico can be visited
on the internet at www.AAA.com.

Contacts:

Dan Ronan - Statewide/Dallas
Ronan.dan@aaa-texas.com
danronan@sprint.blackberry.net
469-221-8217 office
469-583-7070 cell

Sarah Schimmer - Houston
Schimmer.sarah@aaa-texas.com
713-284-6552 office
281-797-7886 cell

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