halloween-driving-safety

10 Motorist Tips for Safe Halloween Driving

Beware! Ghosts and goblins, Batmen and mermaids will be roaming the streets again at sunset on October 31st! Many of us think about the kids in the neighborhood, but these days there are folks on every street enjoying the Halloween spirit! Halloween should be a happy day, but the American College of Emergency Physicians notes that twice as many kids are hit and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. Here are 10 safety tips to help you and your loved ones safe this holiday!

Motorist Tips

catMany of these may seem common sense, but when all the fun and creepy costumes come out, we may divert our attention to seeing them, rather than paying attention to the road.

1.  Pay particular attention at crosswalks and intersections

2.  Reduce your speed, especially in neighborhoods or busy downtown areas

3.  Pull in and out of driveways a little more slowly

4.  Do not use cell phones or other handheld portable devices

5.  Use caution when passing cars that are stopped on the street. They may be loading or unloading passengers

6.  Turn your headlights on well before sunset to make your vehicle as visible as possible

7.  Keep your radio turned down and roll down your windows, so you can hear outside your car

8.  Do not rummage through your children’s treat bags while driving!

9.  Scan left and right, but also take notice of children coming from porches and sidewalks

10.  If you are wearing a costume while driving, ensure that the costume parts do not interfere with normal driving operation. This includes limited visibility from masks and odd or uncomfortable footwear

Drivers and trick-or-treaters should both exercise caution on Halloween. Visibility may be reduced at twilight, and the late afternoon sun is often a blinding experience. By remaining alert to your surroundings, you can protect yourself and others from harm, and make this and every Halloween a fun and memorable event!