Halloween is a tradition that revolves around turning scary things into fun. For children it’s about costumes and candy…for adults, it’s about parties and frolicking. But one aspect of Halloween to beware of is the scary spike in three kinds of unfortunate activities found on the streets and highways each October 31st:
- Pedestrian Deaths – third-deadliest day overall for pedestrians (NHTSA)…30 pedestrians are killed each year on Halloween
- Vehicle Thefts – National Crime Information Center states Halloween as the busiest holiday for car thieves…over 2300 vehicles in 2011
- Vehicle Vandalism – twice as likely to be vandalized on October 31 (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
Keeping trick-or-treating kids safe so they can enjoy the night is priority #1 on Halloween. Children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween (CDC). Parents and motorists can use these tips for keeping kids safe this October 31.
Trick or Treaters:
- Buddy Up! – Until trick-or-treaters reach 12 years old, parents should escort thier kids (AAA recommends). Groups of kids are easier for drivers to see than lone children.
- Crosswalks Only! – Coach kids to never cross the road mid-block or between parked cars. Studies show nearly three-quarters of pedestrian deaths occur at places other than the crosswalk.
- Costume Check – Make sure masks don’t obstruct your child’s vision, adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping and add reflective materials or tape to make kids visible. Don’t wear costumes that are all dark.
Motorists:
- Avoid shortcuts – Especially through residential neighborhoods and streets where lots of trick-or-treaters will likely be present.
- Be EXTRA Careful – Be vigilant for kids on darker streets, medians and curbs. Excited trick-or-treaters may not pay necessary attention to traffic and cross the road in unexpected places.
- Right-side exit – Driving your kids around on Halloween instead of walking? Be sure they exit and enter the car on the passenger side of the vehicle.
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