With Halloween set for Saturday this year, there is an expected increase of trick-or-treating children as well as adult partygoers throughout the entire weekend. Although Halloween is a popular holiday for both children and adults, the fun can often overshadow the dangers that exist.

 Last year, half of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. on Halloween night involved a driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motor vehicle fatalities increase an average of 40 percent when Halloween is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. As a result, AAA urges partygoers to plan in advance by designating a sober driver before enjoying the festivities.

 AAA Arizona has compiled the following list of safety tips so the upcoming holiday can be enjoyed safely by everyone:

Motorists, Partygoers and Hosts:

 •  Plan your travel route carefully. Try to avoid cutting through residential areas that will likely have a large number of trick-or-treaters. If you must drive through a residential area to reach your destination, reduce your speed to at least five miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit. It is also advisable to refrain from using a cell phone or engaging in other distractions when driving through residential areas. If providing directions to a party, make sure not to route guests through residential areas unnecessarily.

•  Do not let impaired guests drive. If hosting a Halloween party, remind guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, offer alcohol-free beverages and do not allow impaired guests to drive. Prepare a list of local taxi companies in advance to have ready should guests need to call one.

• 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.

•  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.

Parents and Trick-or-Treaters:

• Select highly visible costumes. Look for light, bright and reflective costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility. Avoid masks, as they can limit vision.

• Ensure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that costume accessories do not obstruct the child’s view.

• Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules such as stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks, avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars and stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in or out.

• Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks. Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger trick-or-treaters.

• Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help trick-or-treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at someone’s eyes, including those of passing motorists.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.