TRAFFIC ALERT: Police Host Halloween 2025 Sober Ride Outreach Event

ARLINGTON, Va. – If you’re planning on being under alcohol’s spell this Halloween, make sure you plan a sober ride home ahead of putting spirits in your cup. To help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, the Arlington County Police Department, in partnership with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), is hosting a Halloween anti-drunk driving event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills. This free event is open to the public and will take place on Friday, October 31 at the intersection of N. Hudson Street and Wilson Boulevard, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2019 and 2023, there were 198 people killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween night nationwide, which involve at least one driver who had a blood alcohol level of .01 or higher (6:00 p.m. October 31 – 5:59 a.m. November 1). In that timeframe, adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (54%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes. That’s why the Arlington County Police Department is reminding everyone to keep Halloween spooky—not deadly—by planning a sober ride home before the festivities begin.

Celebrate with a Plan
If you plan to drink, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even after just one alcoholic drink, make the smart choice — designate a sober driver, or plan ahead to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• The Washington Regional Alcohol Program's 2025 Halloween SoberRide® program is offering FREE rides home (up to $15), in partnership with Lyft, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31 and on Saturday, November 1.
• Arlington Transit Buses will be offering FREE bus rides from 6:00 p.m. on October 31 to approximately 1:00 a.m. on November 1. Check bus routes and schedules on their website.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit the NHTSA website.

Road Closure
N. Hudson Street between Wilson Boulevard and 13^th Street N. will be closed from approximately 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM to accommodate this event.

Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs in the area. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed, please use the online portal to find out the status of your vehicle and where it is located. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.

Media Contact

Communications Specialist II
Alli Shorb
703-228-4270

Image

View this release in our newsroom