Before heading out to trick-or-treat tomorrow, both parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to be mindful, especially when it comes to cell phones and social media.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year.
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of pedestrian injuries, including fewer daylight hours at the end of October, the number of people walking their neighborhoods, trick-or-treaters frequently crisscrossing streets, and motorists traveling to and from Halloween events.
Drinking and driving is also a factor in the safety of trick-or-treaters, with 23 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involving a drunk driver.
To help make this a safer Halloween, AAA has issued the following reminders for parents, trick-or-treaters and motorists:
Parents
- Post pictures and social media updates before or after you go trick-or-treating
- Avoid checking phones while walking or supervising children
- Remind children about social media about safety and the potential for becoming distracted
- Walk with your children as they go door to door
- Cross the street only at safe intersections
- Have children carry a glow stick or flashlight to help them see and be seen by drivers
- Reflective tape can also be adhered to costumes
Trick-or-Treaters
- Watch the roads
- Keep your phone down
- Make sure you are in a safe place (and away from traffic) before:
- Taking pictures
- Sending messages
- Talking on the phone
- Cross the street using traffic signals and crosswalks
- Look both ways between crossing and keep an eye on the road
- Always walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks available
- Stay as far to the left as possible
- Wear light-colored clothing or costumes with reflective material or tape for the best visibility
Motorists
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as:
- Checking social media
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Drive slower through neighborhoods
- Driving five mph slower than the posted speed limit will give you extra time to react to children who dart out in front of you
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible (even in the daylight)
- Drive sober
- Nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes on Halloween night involve a drunk driver
- Take advantage of AAA's free Tow-To-Go service on Halloween if you do end up consuming alcohol and do not have a designated driver at your disposal.
For additional Halloween safety tips, click here!