Rutherford County, TN - This Halloween, Tennessee law enforcement isn’t just handing out warnings—they’re handing out wisdom. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville are teaming up to make sure this spooky season stays safe, not scary.

With increased patrols and extra eyes on the road, officers are hoping to prevent a repeat of last year’s grim numbers. In 2024, Halloween weekend saw 18 fatal crashes across the state. Five pedestrians lost their lives, and four of the crashes involved drunk drivers. That’s three more pedestrian deaths than the previous year—a chilling reminder that Halloween hazards aren’t just imaginary.

“There’s a dramatic increase in pedestrian traffic on Halloween,” said Commissioner Jeff Long. “It’s a time for good family fun, but safety must come first.” Colonel Matt Perry added, “We’re looking for reckless, aggressive, and impaired drivers. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober ride.”

National data backs up the concern. Nearly one-third of Halloween crash deaths in 2023 involved drunk drivers. That’s why local officers are turning up the visibility—not just to catch violators, but to remind everyone that safety is a shared responsibility.

Whether you’re cruising to a costume party or walking your little goblins door-to-door, the message is clear: slow down, stay alert, and make sure those masks don’t block your vision. Parents, grab those flashlights and stick to the sidewalks. Drivers, keep your eyes peeled for excited kids darting between parked cars.

This Halloween, let’s trade sirens for laughter and flashing lights for glowing jack-o’-lanterns. With a little caution and a lot of care, we can all enjoy the treats without the tricks.