Halloween is already one of the most dangerous nights on the road, and with Halloween on a Friday night this year, experts are warning drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious.
"Unlike weeknight Halloweens, when people tend to go home early or avoid drinking due to work the next day, a Friday celebration encourages more social gatherings and relaxed attitudes toward drugs and alcohol,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA at The Auto Club Group. “This creates a dangerous environment on the roads, especially with neighborhoods full of families walking after dark.”
Here's an even scarier fact: children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
While most fleet drivers may not be on duty that night, delivery vans or service vehicles may be working in residential neighborhoods on Halloween in the late afternoon or early evening. And Halloween celebrations last beyond Oct. 31. In the evenings before and after the actual day, many teenagers and college students hold costume parties.
Now is the perfect time to remind drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in residential areas around Halloween. Experts offer the following advice:
Slow Down
The single best thing you can do when driving in residential areas on Halloween is to travel at a slow pace. Always obey the speed limit. In fact, experts advise never exceeding 25 mph — even if the speed limit is higher. This gives you more time to react if a child suddenly darts out into the road in front of your vehicle.
Use Headlights
As soon as dusk hits, turn on your headlights. Costumes are often dark colors, and because kids are small, they are already difficult to see. Newly released 2018 FARS data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that a staggering 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred after dark.
Make Complete Stops
Look out for trick-or-treaters and be sure to make complete stops at stop signs and crosswalks. Use added caution at intersections. However, it’s important to stay vigilant.
Never Pass
Never pass another vehicle, especially on a dark road. That vehicle may be masking small children up ahead that you are unable to see.
Use Defensive Driving
Not everyone follows the rules, so be cautious of people in the street and watch out for sudden moves by other drivers. You want to be fully prepared to respond quickly to any potentially dangerous situation.
Avoid Distractions
As always, Halloween is no time to be distracted behind the wheel. Do not use your cell phone, GPS, or radio when navigating through residential neighborhoods. And don't open your Halloween candy when behind the wheel — it can wait until your shift is over.
Editor's Note: This first ran in 2019, but the advice still holds up. Some things, like smart driving and a little Halloween caution, never go out of style.
