Each year, children look forward to dressing up with their favorite costumes on Halloween night and roaming the neighborhoods to trick-or-treat. While their costumes may not be real, the accidents that can occur accidents certainly are.
This night becomes the perfect situation for more car accidents and pedestrian accidents due to a variety of reasons: there are more pedestrians out when it’s dark, more distractions for drivers, and more intoxicated drivers on the road. Here are some ways to ensure that you, and others, stay safe on this night.
For Drivers
As the ones controlling the vehicles, drivers have a responsibility to take extra precautions on Halloween night to prevent accidents with other vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. It’s important for them to understand that driving on Halloween night can present more potential risks, so they are able to take the steps necessary to avoid them.
Eliminate Distractions
While this should be a no-brainer and something you do every time you’re behind the wheel, this is especially important on Halloween night. Your eyes and mind should be on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. Put electronics down and turn off your ringer while driving to prevent the temptation to look at your phone. If you have a mask on, take it off while driving so that it does not impact your ability to see.
Be Attentive
During Halloween night, there will be more pedestrians and trick-or-treaters out on the streets, many of which will be young children. Trick-or-treaters may be inexperienced when it comes to using the crosswalk properly and may be harder to spot because they are smaller and dressed in dark colors. Keep this is mind and make sure to stay vigilant when behind the wheel.
Drive Sober
Reports by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) show that Halloween topped the list in 2015 for most drunk driving accidents, next to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If you are drinking alcoholic beverages on Halloween night or the weekend prior, have a designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft to prevent drunk driving accidents and injuries.
For Pedestrians
Another scary statistic by Be Safe Worldwide shows that children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed on Halloween night than any other day of the year. In light of this, there are some things that pedestrians should do to ensure that they stay safe as well.
Use the Sidewalk
Drivers may not be anticipating people in the road, especially if they are speeding or distracted. To ensure your own safety, keep on the sidewalk and only cross the road at designated crosswalk areas or intersections. Set an example and teach your children how to properly use the crosswalk by themselves.
Increase Your Visibility
Unfortunately, not all drivers are as attentive as they should be when they are behind the wheel. In addition to this factor, walking at night and being dressed in dark colors can make it even more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians. Use flashlights or glowsticks to increase your visibility to drivers. This can also help you and young children stay together as a group.
We hope these tips help you and your family stay safe on Halloween night. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci for effective and aggressive legal representation.
Contact our firm at (833) 600-0125 to schedule your free consultation.
