Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.

As Halloween weekend approaches, The Daily Orange has compiled tips for students to stay safe and avoid risky situations during festivities.

Going out in a group is safer than walking around at night alone. Self-defense experts recommend that people stay with the same group for the duration of the night, so everyone remains accounted for.

Halloween is within the “Red Zone,” the period between the beginning of the academic year and Thanksgiving Break in which a majority of on-campus sexual assault and misconduct cases occur. More than 50% of college sexual assaults happen during the Red Zone, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

“Bystander intervention,” when someone not directly involved in a situation steps in, is one of the most effective ways to help prevent sexual assault, according to RAINN. Taking the threat of sexual assault seriously, getting help when someone is behaving aggressively and taking home a friend who has had too much to drink are all ways to take action.

Another way to prioritize safety this Halloween is remaining mindful of alcohol consumption. According to one study, college students reported having 6.3 drinks during Halloween weekend, 1.4 more than during a usual weekend.

Consider making a drinking plan, including limits, with friends ahead of time to prevent overconsumption. Avoiding mixed beverages while regularly drinking water is another way to drink safely.

“Drink spiking,” often done with hard-to-detect drugs like Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine, is another common occurrence during Halloween. Drink spiking can happen in places like house parties or bars, but there are ways to prevent it. Watch your drink consistently and consider buying a new one after going to the restroom. Drink covers are another option for protection.

Car accidents are another Halloween concern, especially due to an increased number of intoxicated drivers. Around 44% of all crashes that resulted in a fatality on Halloween night involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

People between 21-34 years old had the highest percentage of fatalities, at 54%, in drunk driving crashes on Halloween night, according to Traffic Safety Marketing. To avoid these incidents, look for safe ride options, whether through ride-sharing apps or from a designated sober driver.

In a Sunday press conference, Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph Cecile said the department will deploy marked and unmarked patrols throughout the city to ensure safety during Halloween. The patrols will have their lights on to encourage cars to drive slowly.

To report an unsafe situation or suspicious activity, contact the Department of Public Safety at (315) 443-2224. DPS also offers a safety escort shuttle, which can be reached at (315) 443-7433.

Published on October 31, 2024 at 2:27 am

Contact Henry: hdaley@syr.edu