Halloween is a time for many that includes tricks, treats, parties, scares, fun, laughs, and excitement. Halloween is that time of the year when children roam the streets in search of treats, candy flows like water, and children of all ages dress up and celebrate. The last weekend of October is also a time when drivers and pedestrians have to be extra cautious. Are you aware of the road hazards that Halloween presents? Read on to find out:

 

Motorists

• Be extra cautious during peak times. Trick or treaters are usually out in the greatest numbers from 5 – 9 pm.
• Communicate with other drivers by using your turn signals and make sure your vehicle's headlights are turned on.
• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys
• Keep your sound system turned down and roll down your window in residential areas, so you can hear outside your vehicle
• Avoid any electronic distractions
• If you are wearing a costume while driving, ensure that the costume parts do not interfere with the safe, normal driving operation of a motor vehicle . This includes limited visibility from masks and odd or oversized hand or footwear
• If you must drop off or pick up children, be sure to pull over into a safe zone and if needed turn on your vehicle hazard lights. 
• Use caution when passing vehicles that are stopped on the street. They may be loading or unloading passengers
• Scan between parked vehicles and be prepared for children that may be crossing back-and-forth across the street in the middle of the block, or jaywalking
• Look at least 1 block ahead and keep scanning not only crosswalks and intersections but also by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches
• Do not rummage through your children’s treat bags while driving them home
• If going to a Halloween party, never drink and drive – plan ahead with a designated driver or ride sharing

 

Trick or Treaters

• See and be seen by others'. Wear bright costumes that don't obstruct vision and trick-or-treat in groups, as it is safer and more visible to drivers
• Use reflective tape on costumes
• Have children carry a flashlight for easy visibility
• Look both ways before crossing the road
• Walk, don’t run and try to keep a slower pace for the drivers so they have time to notice you
• Don’t cross from behind a parked vehicle. Always cross where it’s safe like at a crosswalk or marked well lit intersection
• Use the sidewalks. If there are sidewalks on the street you’re on, stick to them, don’t walk on the road
• Trick-or-treat on one side of the street at a time
• Avoid distractions while walking, including any electronic devices like smartphones and headphones. You don’t want to unknowingly walk into the path of a vehicle

 

Parents or Guardians

• If not able to go yourself, make sure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12
• Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes
• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home
• Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home
• Establish a time for children to return home

 

For more safe driving tips for yourself, why not book a two hour brush up lesson. For more safe driving tips on this or other topics... for your school or organization, why not book a one hour safety talk.