The best part of October comes at the end of the month. Once Halloween arrives, it is only a short time before the November and December holidays are close. The excitement of Halloween may never fade as a person grows up, but young ones are especially joyful during this time. When driving on Halloween night, it is important to take extra precaution for the protection of all out for this spooky and fun night.
Halloween Driving Safety Tips
With trick-or-treaters are out on Halloween night, drivers may need to be extra careful in their neighborhoods, especially in the time between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. when most children will be out.
Ways to keep Halloween safe while driving include:
- Drive slowly in neighborhoods
- Don't pass stopped vehicles since the driver may be dropping off children
- Avoid using a cell phone while driving
- Be wary of children running into the street
- Don't assume you will always be able to see children
- Always yield to children even if your car has the right of way
- Communicate with other drivers by using turn signals and lights
- Discourage driving by inexperienced or teenage drivers
- Refrain from drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel
By taking a moment to be extra aware of your surroundings, a driver can avoid a serious accident with a young trick-or-treater.
Parents can also help assist drivers in keeping their children safe by teaching their kids how to be aware of cars and cross the streets only after looking both ways and at clearly marked crosswalks. Other ways that parents can help kids be more visible to motorists is by utilizing flashlights, glow sticks, and reflective tape on their costumes. If a costume involves the use of a mask, teach children to take off their masks before crossing the street.
This upcoming Halloween, drivers and parents alike are encouraged to be alert around streets in order to prevent anyone from getting injured!