Trick or Treat: Road Safety

We all know that the roads around the holidays can be very scary. The Halloween season proves to be no different, especially with the number of trick or treaters that abound. People of all ages enjoy this particular holiday by donning their best disguises, and wandering throughout the neighborhoods to collect candy as a reward for their efforts. Often, these wanderers get caught up in the holiday spirit, and may forget to check the roads before crossing, and the results can be horrifying.

Statistics show that Halloween is one of the deadliest holidays for pedestrians, with the deaths of children ranking especially high. Multiple different risks play into the devastating statistic. Most people are out and about after it becomes dark, there are more pedestrians out than usual, and both those walking and those driving are bombarded with an above-average amount of distractions.

In order to keep this holiday (and its scares) safe for all those involved, we’ve included some tips below.

For Pedestrians:

• Make sure that every child or group of children is accompanied by one or more adult(s).
• Keep the group together and walk between houses instead of running.
• At all times possible, remain on sidewalks and out of the streets.
• When it does come time to cross a street or driveway, remember to look both ways for oncoming traffic or other possible hazards.
• Remember that the lighting is dim at night, and drivers may not see pedestrians, so use extra caution.
• If your neighborhood offers trick or treating before dark, take advantage of this, especially with small children or large groups that may be hard to maintain.
• Carrying flashlights or glow sticks can help increase visibility, and therefore decrease the potential of being injured.

For Drivers:

• Taking your time and driving slowly throughout neighborhoods on Halloween can increase the time you have to react should a child or pedestrian wander into the road.
• Don’t drive impaired. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with limited sleep can greatly increase your response time, and therefore increases the chances of injuring someone (or worse!).
• Keep alert and observe your surroundings as you are driving, especially within neighborhoods where trick or treating is happening.
• Eliminate distractions. Do not use your mobile phone while driving, and try to stay focused on the road, not costumes or decorations.

If everyone works together, Halloween can become scary safe, and trick or treating can be a sweet experience for all.