7 Ways to Drive Safe on Halloween

7 Ways to Drive Safe on Halloween

While most people associate Halloween with candy, costumes, and nighttime fun, there’s also a scary side to the holiday that people rarely consider. It is an especially dangerous time for children who are out on the streets. In fact, children are twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween night than at any other time. Scary news, indeed.

Why is Halloween such a dangerous time for children? On that day, young ones start to fill the sidewalks in the late afternoon. Depending on the neighborhood, they may still be pushing doorbells and collecting candy well into the night. In their excitement to get the best treats, they are less aware of the vehicles around them. Keep in mind that this activity is taking place at dusk. As daylight fades into night, drivers may find it difficult to spot the many pedestrians attempting to cross streets. Of course, the drivers themselves may be distracted by their own evening plans and can let their eyes wander off the road. All of these factors can contribute to a tragedy.

If you’ll be on the streets on Halloween afternoon or evening, keep in mind the following tips to stay safe.

Take it slow

Drive below the speed limit, especially in residential areas. Excited children won’t necessarily look both ways before crossing the street. Driving slowly is the key to safety! A slower pace makes it easier for you to brake – and fully stop – your vehicle faster.

Keep your lights on

Even if it’s still daylight, keep your lights on. Children will notice your vehicle easier. As night falls, be especially cautious since the number of children on the streets increases – and visibility decreases.

Be careful when passing stopped vehicles

Children often cross a street from in front of or behind a stopped vehicle. Also, vehicles may stop to drop children off or pick them up. These situations make it hard to spot the children, so pass any stopped vehicles slowly.

If you have to let passengers in or out of a vehicle, pull over in a safe place. If you need to park, try to find a spot where you don’t have to back up since small children are hard to see in the rearview mirror.

Make sure you’re not distracted

It is almost a guaranteed fact that your child will be fussing with their costume. They may clamor for assistance while you are driving. However, do not attempt to fix their outfit while you’re behind the wheel. Additionally, plan your route beforehand if you’ll be traveling on unfamiliar roads. And as always, stow your cell phone to keep distractions to a minimum.

Watch for pedestrians in the street

Children won’t be mindful of crossing only at intersections or crosswalks. They may be in the road, on sidewalks, or standing on curbs. Their teasing and interacting with friends may cause them to suddenly dart out onto the street. Keep in mind that they can move fast and unpredictably. If you see one child, be aware that more might be following them.

Protect those in your vehicle

Seat belt laws still apply on Halloween. So make sure any children in your vehicle are buckled up or are in an appropriate child safety seat. Also, it's best to discourage inexperienced drivers from getting behind the wheel on Halloween at peak pedestrian hours, when they might encounter challenging situations.

Don’t drink and drive

Vehicle-related fatalities have risen on Halloween over the past years, so if you plan to have a drink, designate a responsible driver.