Every Halloween, monsters, zombies, and ghouls fill the streets across the United States to celebrate. With all those excited youngsters walking (and running) around, the trick-or-treaters and motorists each play an important role in making it a safe night.
“On Halloween, motorists need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 pm and midnight, when pedestrians are the most vulnerable,” said Mary Maguire, Vice President of Public Affairs at AAA Northeast. “Slowing down, and watching for trick-or-treaters who may cross between cars or mid-block may save a life.”
To help make the roadways safer this Halloween, AAA Northeast offers motorists a few easy tips:
• Avoid Neighborhood Shortcuts. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present.
• Watch for children in the street. Watch for children walking on streets, medians and curbs. 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 hit by a car traveling 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.
AAA also has tips for parents and children:
• Trick-or-treat together. AAA recommends that parents accompany youngsters at least until the age of 12.
• Make a plan. Review trick-or-treating safety precautions and plan the route 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 where possible use face paint instead of masks. Check and adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping and add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible. Carry a flashlight.
• Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.