Wayne, N.J., October 27, 2022 — Every Halloween, monsters, zombies and ghouls fill the streets across the U.S. to celebrate. With all those excited youngsters walking (and running) around, trick-or-treaters and motorists each play a significant 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 Shani Jarvis, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Northeast. “Slowing down and watching for trick-or-treaters who may cross between cars or mid-block may save a life.”
Halloween safety tips for MOTORISTS:
- Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. If possible, re-route your travel to avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are more likely to be present.
- Watch for children in the street. Be alert for children walking in streets, and on medians and curbs. Excited trick-or-treaters, often in dark costumes, may not pay attention to traffic and cross mid-black 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.
Halloween safety tips for PARENTS & CHILDREN:
- Make it a team effort. AAA recommends that parents accompany their trick-or-treaters until at least the age of 12.
- Make a plan. Review trick-or-treating safety precautions and plan the route ahead of time. Remind children to never 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 enter and exit on the passenger side of the vehicle.