How to be safe this Halloween
With Halloween fast approaching, it is important to consider safety measures to help ensure events remain fun and safe for everyone. In college communities there are often many gatherings the weekend before the holiday. While the Geneseo campus is a relatively safe place, there are measures that can be taken in order to encourage safe practices.
According to CNN Health, over the course of four years, 14% of all pedestrian deaths on Halloween involved drunk drivers. In Geneseo, foot traffic is significantly higher at night on the weekends and it is predicted that the numbers will be even higher for Halloween weekend. In a statement from the Geneseo’s University Police Department (UPD), they recommended traveling in well lit areas and being aware of your surroundings when celebrating.
Throughout the dark night on Halloween, children's risk of being hit by a car increases double according to the National Safety Council. Awareness and safety relied on the drivers as well making sure that they are aware of their surroundings and drinking responsibly.
According to NielsenIQ, alcohol sales around Halloween have increased significantly over the past three years. Additionally Alcohol.org states that, “At least 50% of student sexual assaults involve alcohol” and “in one-third of sexual assaults, the aggressor is intoxicated.”
When at a party, either on or off campus, Geneseo’s UPD recommends to not “leave drinks of any type unattended at social gatherings,” and to “not leave a party or bar with a casual acquaintance.” These actions do not guarantee the elimination of these risks, but they can help mitigate them. UPD additionally recommends that you should “never ignore a gut feeling” and they say to “report unusual or suspicious activities on campus to the University Police immediately at (585) 245-5222 or 911 if you are off campus.”
Between the year of 2017 to 2019, 9,200 fires happen around Halloween according to the U.S. Fire Administration. There are things that can be done over those days that may have an impact in preventing fires from occuring. One of the easiest things to do is to use fake candles instead of having an open flame amongst the many flammable costumes and decorations appearing throughout the night.
Finally, we would be remiss not to mention not only the increased statistics of drinking during “Halloweekend,” but also the inherent risks associated with high levels of intoxication. With drinking on college campuses being so normalized, it can be easy to forget how dangerous party practices can sometimes be without proper precaution. Make sure to monitor your drinking and remain in environments where you feel safe and comfortable. Finally, to cite the University Police Department: “ If you are going to consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive drinking can put you at risk of injuries, create the inability to care for yourself, and often result in slow reactions and poor decision-making.”
Thumbnail Photo via WikiMedia Commons