Halloween can be one of the most deadly nights of the year for both pedestrians and motorists, according to AAA.
With the increased number of walkers trick-or-treating, and party-goers that could be impaired behind the wheel, it makes for a scary combination. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and that 48 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities on Halloween night in 2012 involved a drunk driver.
“On Halloween, motorists need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight when pedestrians are most vulnerable,” said AAA spokesman John Pecchio, in a release. “Slowing down, watching for trick-or-treaters who might cross between cars or mid-block, and using a designated driver may save a life.”
AAA offers motorists these tips to help keep roadways safe:
• Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present. When providing directions to a party, try not to route guests through neighborhoods unnecessarily.
• Watch for children in the street. And not just on streets, but medians and curbs as well. Excited trick-or-treaters, often in dark costumes, may not pay attention to traffic, and cross mid-block or between parked cars.
• Slow down. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they’re hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph. What seems like a small difference — just 10 mph — can be the difference between life and death.
• Drive sober. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths resulting in an average of one death every 45 minutes. Always designate a sober driver when planning to drink.
But it’s not just drivers who should consider some tips, but trick-or-treaters as well.
• Trick-or-treat together. AAA recommends that parents accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12.
• Make a plan. Review trick-or-treating safety precautions and plan the rote ahead of time. Remind children never to cross the street mid-block, or between parked cars.
• Check costumes. Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks. Check and adjust the length of customers to avoid tripping, and add reflective material to keep kids visible.
• Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate car booster seats, and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.
For additional Halloween tips, visit AAA.com/PublicAffairs.
