State and local law enforcement officers are encouraging both adults and children alike to be safe during the upcoming Halloween weekend.

According to a Minnesota Department of Public Safety news release, Halloween party weekends are among the deadliest for impaired driving.

From 2007-09, eight of the 15 traffic deaths during Halloween celebration weekends were alcohol-related, the release states. Alcohol-related crashes account for 30 percent of all deaths annually.

The Department of Public Safety urges those partying on Halloween to designate a sober driver, take a cab or spend the night at the location of the celebration.

Albert Lea Police Lt. J.D. Carlson also encouraged drivers to drive defensively on Halloween, anticipating children to run out into traffic from between parked vehicles.

Regarding trick-or-treat safety, Carlson said children should try to wear face paint instead of visually obstructing masks, wear reflective costumes, be escorted by adults and not enter strangers’ homes.

He discouraged adults from presenting children with homemade food items and encouraged healthy snack items, including fruit snacks, granola bars and school supplies.