Driving Safety Tips for Halloween
by Jeffrey J. Kroll
Halloween is one of the better days of the year for our young trick-or-treaters, but it is surpassed as one of the scariest days for car-related collisions. Sadly, this includes a high number of pedestrian fatalities and other crashes. Children are particularly at risk as victims, with studies demonstrating they are more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. See the articles below as references. A contributing factor could be the number of children in the streets, dark costumes, and, yes, impaired drivers.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 3000 Halloween-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments each year. Children are two to ten times more likely to be hit and killed by a car than on any other day of the year.
Key Safety Tips for Driving on Halloween
Driving on Halloween requires extra caution due to a couple of significant factors. Obviously, there will be increased pedestrian traffic, and, let’s face it, these costumed children may be unpredictable and difficult to see. Here are some safety tips for driving on Halloween:
- Enter and exit a driveway slowly. Make sure to double–check your mirrors and backup cameras before moving your vehicle. Children may be congregating on sidewalks and/or driveways.
- Always yield to pedestrians. On Halloween, you need to expect the unexpected. In other words, expect kids to cross anywhere, not just at or near designated crosswalks. Children may run out between parked cars or cross mid–block.
- Slow down. This is a day when driving below the speed limit is not only smart, but it is prudent and imperative for safety reasons. Drive below the speed limit in residential neighborhoods. Always be ready to stop quickly if a child runs into the street.
- Avoid distractions. That means putting your phone away and focusing entirely on the road. Trick or treaters can travel in packs or alone – so be alert.
- Halloween parties are common. Therefore, do not drink and drive. DUI laws are strictly enforced, and the risks of a DUI are higher with so many more pedestrians. Be smart. Be safe.
Most children trick or treat between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Be especially cautious during these hours.
Need Legal Help After an Accident on Halloween? Contact Kaveny and Kroll Today
The attorneys and staff at Kaveny and Kroll hope you and your children have a spooky but safe Halloween. Kaveny and Kroll is committed to making our communities a safer place for our children, not only during the Halloween season, but also throughout the year.
If you have any questions regarding a Halloween-related injury or a car-related collision, contact the personal injury lawyers at Kaveny and Kroll for a free consultation.
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