Halloween Drivers Beware
By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®
On the evening of October 31, hordes of little goblins, creepy creatures, and superheroes will take to the streets on a quest for candy and treats. Although most of them will come home later that evening excited about the treats they've gathered, the chances of children being hit by a car are much higher on this night than any other night of the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data warns that, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Halloween night, about 4000 children ages five to 14 are injured in pedestrian accidents, whereas on most other nights of the year the number injured is 1000 or less. Try to avoid venturing out in your car during this time, but if you have to, beware of the dangers and be very, very careful.
Drivers on Halloween night need to take special precautions to watch out for young pedestrians:
Keep in mind that children may have very limited visibility due to the restrictions of their costumes. Don't assume that they see you approaching.
Stay below the posted speed limit, and never exceed 25 mph in any area where there might be trick-or-treaters, even if the posted speed is higher.
Don't pass other vehicles on the road. They may be slowing down for trick-or-treating pedestrians that you don't see, or they could be picking up or dropping off children.
Exert added caution at intersections to look out for children that may be crossing the roadway.
NEVER use your cell phone, navigation system, sound system, or other distracting devices while in a residential area that may have trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians.
Of course, it's safest to have your children go to an organized party or event, but if they must go out trick-or-treating, here are some reminders to help them stay safe and out of trouble:
Warn children to cross the street only at intersections. According to AAA Michigan, more than half of child pedestrian casualties involve children darting into the street between intersections.
Instruct children to always walk facing traffic, and to avoid trick-or-treating on busy streets.
If a costume is particularly dark or camouflages with surroundings, apply reflective stickers or tape to make your child more visible to drivers.
Have children carry a flashlight or glow stick while walking between houses to enhance visibility.
Also, make sure children can see out of their costumes. Avoid using masks that may impair the child's vision.
Walk with your children or use a chaperone if possible.
