Motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween increase about 30 percent to 151 deaths when Halloween is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday compared to other days of the week according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With Halloween being on a Saturday this year, it’s going to be exceptionally busy on the roads and we want to give you a few tips to stay safe, whatever your plans may be.
Party Goers
• If going to a big costume party where alcohol will be served, make sure you make someone the designated driver for the night. Give them the keys and make sure they do not consume any alcohol.
• Make sure you have the phone numbers of local cab companies before your party, they are happy to drive anyone home.
• Police will be very busy with sobriety checkpoints and will be on the hunt to catch anyone drinking and driving. If you are unable to get home, just stay where you are, it’s much safer than trying to drive.
• Always buckle up when in a car. It’s still the best defense you have in case of an accident.
• If you are the host of a party, please be responsible for your guest and make sure they all have a safe way home before the party begins.
If your kids are going trick or treating
• Make sure motorists can see your trick or treater quickly and easily. Halloween costumes need to be bright and/or have reflective tape on them; glow sticks or flashlights are always a great idea to have too.
• Have the kids understand where and when it’s safe to cross the street. Running out in front of a car is extremely dangerous and could end up becoming a nightmare on your Halloween.
• Go with your children when collecting candy in the neighborhood. Having parental supervision is always smart and will remind them about staying safe.
• If driving your kids around to collect their treats, make sure to use your cars flashers to let other motorists know that you are dropping your kids off. It will give them a warning to be extra careful about kids running near your car.
The number of accidents and/or fatalities on Halloween could be reduced if everyone would follow these simple suggestions and take an extra few minutes to plan ahead for the night of festivities. Keeping your loved ones safe is what B.R.A.K.E.S. works for everyday and we hope we have raised awareness to you.
Some last minute suggestions
• When driving home from work or from a social event on Halloween make sure to follow the speed limit signs. In your neighborhood, it wouldn’t hurt to drive under the speed limit.
• Be extra careful when pulling into your driveway; you could have trick or treaters waiting for you.
• If you are driving to a costume party, keep your mask off until you get to the party; you don’t need to have your vision impaired while driving, it doesn’t matter how funny your mask may be.
We hope that these tips will help make your Halloween a safe and enjoyable night – the way it should be. Happy Halloween from all of us at B.R.A.K.E.S. and stay safe!
