6 Tips for a Safe Halloween

Each year, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties — and candy and drinks. Unfortunately, the night often includes drunk drivers on the streets. This coupled with decreased visibility as the sun sets earlier, spells a dangerous time on the roads for trick-or-treaters.

Here are some tips to keep Halloween safe for all. We encourage you to share them with friends and loved ones ahead of this spooky holiday.

1. Be especially careful on the roads during the hours of 5pm and 9pm. These are prime trick-or-treating hours and it becomes harder to see when the sun goes down. When the sun does set completely, watch out for kids wearing dark colored costumes.
2. Put your phone away while driving. You are 4 times more likely to crash while driving if you’re using your cell phone, and there is no difference between handheld and handsfree.
3. Don’t drink and drive. 44% of casualties on Halloween are caused by drunk driving. If you do plan to drink, assign someone to be the designated driver.
4. Practice safe driving by communicating with other drivers and pedestrians using your turn signals and hazard lights. Also, be careful when passing parked cars as they are probably loading or unloading their kids.
5. Watch for children crossing the street. They don’t always cross in designated crossing zones, especially in neighborhoods, and most young pedestrian casualties happen away from intersections.
6. Slow down. Kids are excited on Halloween night and may not be as careful as they should, so it’s important to always anticipate them around every corner.

Article from Avenues in Motion