In a matter of hours, children here in St. Louis and across the state of Missouri will be donning their capes, masks and makeup, and heading out for a night of trick-or-treating. However, children won’t be the only ones out enjoying the evening, as countless adults will also be putting on costumes and heading to parties at the homes of friends or area hotspots.

Of course, one of the predominant fixtures at many of these adult-themed Halloween celebrations will not be candy but rather alcohol. In recognition of this fact, law enforcement officials are likely going to be out in full force tonight, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.

For those unfamiliar with saturation patrols, it essentially means a larger number of officers will be present in smaller geographic areas, such as those districts that are home to a larger percentage of bars, clubs or restaurants.

In keeping with the theme of Halloween and drunk driving prevention, it is worth noting that the Utah Highway Patrol has been running a very unique drunk driving prevention campaign in the weeks leading up to Halloween that capitalizes on a very popular horror genre.

Specifically, the law enforcement agency has joined forces with a real local group calling themselves Zombies Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness.

Over the last few weeks, troopers and actors dressed in full zombie makeup have been making appearances everywhere from bars to movie theaters throughout Salt Lake City, scaring “the bajeebees” out of patrons — in a humorous way — about the dangers of drunk driving.

While no such zombies have been spotted here St. Louis, those planning to consume alcoholic beverages this evening should take the time to arrange alternate transportation — designated driver, taxi, etc. — ahead of time, or at least remember to secure a safe ride at the end of the evening.

If you have been charged with underage drinking or drunk driving, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced attorney who will explain your options, and fight to protect your future.

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, “Zombies to scare you out of drinking and driving,” Michael McFall, Oct. 23, 2013