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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Halloween is already one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians and drivers, but with the holiday falling on Friday, it brings a hazardous mix of increased foot traffic from trick-or-treaters, more weekend parties, and a greater likelihood of impaired driving.
The American Automobile Association, citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said half of all crash fatalities on Halloween night in 2023 were alcohol-related. In addition, impaired driving is reportedly among the four leading causes of deadly crashes in the U.S., so drivers should plan for a safe ride before they party.
“Unlike weeknight Halloweens, when people tend to go home early or avoid drinking due to work the next day, a Friday celebration encourages more social gatherings and relaxed attitudes toward drugs and alcohol,” said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This creates a dangerous environment on the roads, especially with neighborhoods full of families walking after dark.”
According to AAA, Safe Kids Worldwide said children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. Factors that contribute to this statistic include dark costumes that reduce visibility, distracted walking, and unpredictable street crossing behavior.
“It’s not enough to just dress your child in a costume and head out the door,” Cooper added. “We urge parents to talk to their kids about traffic safety before going trick-or-treating. Remind them to stay alert and watch for cars before crossing. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a lifetime of regret.”
AAA and Safe Kids Worldwide provided the following safety tips for trick-or-treating:
- Be visible: Choose light-colored costumes or decorate them with reflective tape or stickers. Flashlights and glow sticks will also help drivers see kids more easily.
- Cross safely: Cross the street at corners -- not mid-block or between parked cars -- using crosswalks and traffic signals after looking both ways. If there are motorists on the street, make eye contact before crossing in front of them.
- Avoid distractions: Put away phones and earbuds and keep heads up while walking or supervising children.
- Stick to sidewalks: If none are available, walk facing traffic and stay far to the left.
- Join younger kids for trick-or-treating: Walk with children under the age of 12 as they go door to door. If they're mature enough to go out without supervision, tell them to stay in familiar, well-lit areas and trick-or-treat in groups.
However, motorists also play a role in protecting pedestrians, so AAA and Safe Kids Worldwide shared some advice for those planning to drive on Halloween:
- Keep seatbelts on: Everyone should stay seated and buckled, even when parked on the side of the road.
- Focus fully on driving: Pull over if you need to use your phone, check your GPS, or take photos.
- Slow down: Lowering your speed by just a few miles per hour can decrease the risk of a deadly incident in residential areas.
- Watch for trick-or-treaters: Look for movement between parked cars, at intersections, and on medians and curbs, especially in residential areas between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., because excited children can move in unpredictable ways. Also, turn the headlights on earlier in the day to spot costumed kids from farther away.
- Dress smart for car seats: Remove bulky costumes or coats before buckling children inside vehicles.
- Avoid impaired driving:
- Arrange a sober ride before the party starts.
- Designate a driver who will stay sober and get everyone home safely.
- Rather than let friends drive impaired, speak up and help them find a safe alternative.
- Know the risks of impaired driving, which affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
“AAA’s statewide efforts aim to raise awareness and prevent tragedies during this extended Halloween weekend,” Cooper stated. “Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking the neighborhood, a few smart choices can help avoid a horrific situation.”
Multiple Middle Tennessee law enforcement and emergency response agencies have posted examples of precautions people can take to protect trick-or-treaters. La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole even proclaimed Oct. 27 to Oct. 31 "Halloween Safety Week" in the city in order to ensure "all our little princesses, superheroes, and zombies have a safe night of fun."
For a full list of common Halloween injuries and tips on how to avoid them, follow this link.
from WKRN News 2 https://ift.tt/mb3V5Uk
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