Halloween is supposed to be spooky but not dangerous! For the past two years, Halloween has had less participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we will likely have more participants, as the world regains pre-pandemic status.
Parties are fun but unfortunately, this could mean an increased likelihood of people driving under the influence. Statistically, more pedestrian collisions with cars happen on and around Halloween. According to a statistic reported by NHTSA, 158 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night between 2013 and 2017.
If you are hosting a Halloween party, take responsibility by keeping your guests safe and help reduce the statistics. Remember to serve plenty of food, and water, and provide non-alcoholic beverage options. Halloween mocktails are super fun, check out these recipes here! You can also collect car keys from anyone who is drinking above the legal limit. Be prepared to call a taxi or ride service for your guests. Remember that social host liability laws may even hold you responsible for underage drinking and legally responsible for your guests’ behavior after they leave.
We at Greater Mercer TMA want to take this opportunity to refresh safety guidelines for both drivers and pedestrians to ensure your safety this Halloween. Check out our spooky safety tips:
Drivers:
- Be careful when the road is covered in wet leaves, they may cause your car to slip.
- Be on high alert for trick-or-treaters, kids can be unpredictable.
- In addition to keeping a lookout for trick-or-treaters, also watch for deer, they are very active between dawn and dusk this time of year
- Pay particular attention to bicyclists and pedestrians who can be more difficult to see during low light hours. Remember, reducing your speed saves lives.
- If it ends up being foggy, adjust your lights to a low beam for better visibility.
- Always wear your seatbelt and do not use electronic devices while driving.
- Slow down and make sure you pay extra attention in residential neighborhoods.
- Watch for children at intersections, crossways, and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Remember popular times for trick or treating are between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
- Watch for children dressed in dark-colored costumes.
- Eliminate all distractions and turn headlights on early.
- Do not drive while under the influence.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians:
- Cyclists must have lights on the front and rear of their bikes at night. It’s safer and the law!
- Pedestrians can also carry a flashlight and should always use the sidewalk when available.
- If possible walk/bike in groups to be more visible.
- Young children should always trick-or-treat with an adult, older children should trick-or-treat in groups or have a buddy.
- Choose the safest routes to walk, try to avoid busy traffic areas, and always walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, keep to the left and walk facing traffic. Try to limit the number of street crossings.
- Wear light-colored clothing with reflective tape or stickers or put reflective tape on the trick-or-treat bag. Children can carry glow sticks to improve visibility.
- Make sure the costumes don’t make it hard for children to walk and try to avoid face masks because they can limit vision. Alternatively, children could use face paint.
- Watch for cars turning or pulling out of driveways and don’t cross between parked cars.
- Eliminate distractions, keep your head up, and be alert.
- Carry a flashlight.
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
Resources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/halloween-safety-tips
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/smart-road-tips-for-halloween-safety-a6980048187/