Halloween is a unique event that brings kids of all ages out in search of candy. Unlike the Fourth of July or Memorial Day where people are generally outside, Halloween is distinctive in that people are on the streets after dark. The combination of darkness, pedestrians and possible drunk drivers makes Halloween a particularly dangerous time as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more pedestrian accidents tend to occur on Halloween night.
Because of this, we offer a few helpful tips to keep pedestrians safe.
Drivers should use extra caution – After all, there will be more children on the streets than normal. This means that drivers should slow down while driving through residential neighborhoods and remember to give pedestrians the right of way.
Drive sober or get pulled over – The anti drunk driving phrase takes on additional importance given that many young adult drivers take part in Halloween parties where alcohol may be available.
Pedestrians should be seen – For kids wearing costumes, try to choose ones that do not have masks that could impair your ability to see; even if you are walking with someone. Also, wearing reflective tape, having small lights on a costume, carrying glowsticks or having a flashlight is important.
Cross safely – Pedestrians should try to cross at intersections with crosswalks; this is especially important when crossing roads with multiple lanes. If you must cross a street, look left, then right, then left again before crossing.
Of course, if you are injured by a driver on Halloween, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights.