October is the time of year when we dress up as ghosts and ghouls, play pranks, and take a spooky nighttime stroll filled with candy and sweets. However, just because Halloween is meant to be a fun holiday doesn’t mean it’s time to let our guards down. Drivers most of all need to stay vigilant and follow as many Halloween safety tips as possible. The California Office of Traffic Safety has a few reminders that we all should head during All Hallows Eve that will help keep drivers and pedestrians safe.
Get dressed up, scare your friends and family, but always keep some Halloween safety tips in mind.
It’s a sad truth, but children are more likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. In 2010, in the state of California, ten people were struck and killed on Halloween. The best way to avoid being part of a statistic is to follow some easy safety tips during Halloween.
For Drivers:
Be On The Lookout
Pedestrians will be out on the streets in droves. It’s important to be on the lookout for pedestrians no matter where you’re driving. Be sure to look both ways multiple times when leaving or entering a driveway. Drive slowly so that in the event of a child entering the road you can easily brake.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving while under the influence is never a good thing, but even worse on Halloween. The temptation to go out for drinks is higher than normal. If you plan to drink, be sure to have a designated driver or a plan for a safe way home. In 2013, 26% of all pedestrian fatalities involved a drunk driver. Help make that percentage lower by drinking responsibly. While drivers should always be alcohol-free, so should pedestrians.
For Pedestrians:
Be Seen
Pedestrians can help drivers by making sure they’re seen. It’s very simple to add reflective parts to any costume. You can also use lights of any type to make sure you’re visible. Being seen is easier than most think, and is an excellent way to help avoid an accident.
Stay in Your Lane
Vehicles have strict rules and laws that say where they can drive, pedestrians should follow strict rules as well. The sidewalk is as safe as it gets for pedestrians, so stick to the paths. Avoid running out into the streets or crossing without a crosswalk.
Dress To Succeed
Creative costumes are amazing, and you can either be scary or sweet. Either way, avoid having loose articles of clothing that could make you trip. Your costume should fit properly, especially the mask. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure they can see properly.
