The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds both drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution on Halloween. Nationwide, Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to the high number of drunk drivers on the roads and the increase in pedestrians during the evening hours.
Drivers
- Use caution while behind the wheel.
- Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Drive sober or get pulled over.
- Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating Halloween with alcohol.
- Use your community’s sober ride program or take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- Watch out for your family, friends, and neighbors.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.
Pedestrians
- Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
- Keep kids safe.
- Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
- Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
- Remember, everyone is a pedestrian.
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- Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross
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The above is an excerpt adapted from the article, “NHTSA Offers Halloween Safety Tips .” For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov
