With Halloween almost here, it can be important to prepare not only the perfect costume, home decor, and festivities, but a driving safety plan as well. October 31st can be very dangerous, especially for children, and is notorious as one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians – with the relative risk of a pedestrian fatality 43% higher on Halloween than other days of the year (more on that here.)
Along with normal driving safety, following these safety tips will help ensure you, and everyone else on the road, can have a safe and fun Halloween.
- Slow Down – Especially in residential areas where trick-or-treating could be occurring, it is important to lower your driving speed so it is easier to stop quickly for pedestrians if needed. With extra cars and trick-or-treaters making frequent stops on the road, being vigilant about leaving enough stopping distance and maintaining a low speed is important to keep everyone safe.
- Put your Phone in Park – Eliminating driving distractions is important every day of the year, but especially on Halloween. Don’t use your phone while driving or do things like fiddle with radio or heat dials in order to maintain your concentration on the road.
- Stay Alert – On Halloween it is common for children to dart out into roads in potentially dark-colored costumes or be dropped off from vehicles that are slow-moving or pulled off to the side of the road. Because of this, it is important to stay alert and keep an eye out for pedestrians
- Use Your Headlights – Turning your headlights on, even still during daylight, helps make your vehicle more visible to other cars and pedestrians. They also help you to make out difficult to see things better in the dark, such as pedestrians in dark clothing.
- Don’t Drive Impaired – Adults can enjoy the Halloween merriments too – but is crucial to do so safely. If you are planning to drink for the holiday, make sure you have a designated driver or planned safe and sober ride home.
Keep in mind this Halloween the extra risks to pedestrians and be aware of your surroundings. Child pedestrians especially can be unpredictable by darting into the roadway, not seeing your vehicle, or by not knowing how to cross the street safely. By following these simple safety tips you can ensure everyone has a great – and safe – Halloween!