Posted By LeAnn Wallace

Halloween has become one of the biggest party nights of the year and law enforcement across Minnesota will be stepping up their DUI enforcement efforts.

Officials say an increased number of vehicles will be on the road as well as an influx of pedestrians heading out to trick or treat.

As LeAnn Wallace reports, that combination can be dangerous and even deadly.

"What we're concerned about is people getting behind the wheel and driving after being buzzed or truly being impaired so that is a risk on Halloween and we're very concerned about that," says Cheri Marti, Director of The Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety.

On Halloween weekends between 2006 and 2008, nearly 1,500 drivers were arrested for DWI...resulting in seven deaths and another 40 serious injuries.

But drunken driving isn't the only thing officials want to eliminate this weekend, distracted driving is also a concern as more people pile into one vehicle.

Pedestrian safety is also a concern...the number of pedestrian fatalities is up this year across the state and officials want to remind drivers to be on the look out for trick or treaters.

"All motorists need to treat every corner as a cross walk even if it's unmarked, it is officially by statute a cross walk so you need to give pedestrians that right of way," says Marti.

There are some easy ways to help make you and your kids more visible.

"We sell a lot of the glow stick products, anywhere from the necklaces; we have the necklaces that can hang from a cord or a lanyard or bracelets," says Party America owner Mariah Mckechnie.

Police are encouraging drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings this weekend...and for those who decide to go out and celebrate, to have a sober ride home.

As Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, officials say they expect even more people to be out celebrating.