Halloween is here, and soon, neighborhoods will be flooded with trick-or-treaters eagerly rushing from door to door. With that comes an increased risk of traffic-related accidents. A study on traffic fatalities over 42 years from 1975 to 2016 found that the risk of pedestrian fatalities increased by 43% on Halloween night.
Road safety on Halloween is a shared responsibility between the community and motorists. Here’s what drivers can do to minimize the risk of car accidents on Halloween.
1. Be Aware of Increased Pedestrian Traffic
Halloween night is a buzz of activity, with many humans (and perhaps some zombies) out and about. While the adult chaperones do their best to shepherd children, kids can be unpredictable and run out into the road without warning.
Some may be dressed in dark costumes, making them less visible in the dark. Turn your headlights on at dusk. According to the above study, the risk of pedestrian fatalities is highest around 6 p.m.
Keep a sharp eye on the roads on Halloween night, checking mirrors and blind spots frequently. Learning some defensive driving techniques can help you anticipate and react quickly to unexpected behavior from trick-or-treaters and other road users to avoid accidents.
2. Drive Slowly in Residential Areas
The faster you drive, the less time you have to react and avoid a collision. Slow down and scan side roads when driving through residential areas.
Be extra observant if there are many cars parked along the street. Kids can dart out from among parked cars when you least expect it. Slower speeds allow more reaction time to sudden and unexpected movements by pedestrians.
3. Exercise Extra Caution at Crosswalks
Slow down when approaching a crosswalk and stop for pedestrians who are about to cross or are already in the crosswalk. Try to stop further back from the crosswalk so that other approaching vehicles can more clearly see crossing pedestrians, and they can also stop in time.
Be extra vigilant at crosswalks on Halloween, as children may run across them without checking for cars.
4. Be Aware of Distractions Inside and Outside of Your Vehicle
On Halloween, distractions are everywhere. There are more people about, noise, and a lot of decorations. Can a giant spider decoration fly off someone’s lawn and land on your windshield? It’s possible, especially if it’s a windy night.
The point is, there’s a lot going on outdoors on Halloween night, so you need to have your wits about you.
Reducing distractions inside the car can help you focus more on the road. Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car crashes. Turn off your cell phone’s notifications and your car radio, and don’t eat or drink in the car.
5. Don’t Drive Under the Influence
In 2022, nearly half of all crash fatalities during Halloween night were alcohol-related, according to the NHTSA.
If you’re attending a Halloween party, don’t drink alcohol if you’re driving yourself and others home. Even one drink can be too many for some people. Remember, “buzzed” driving is also drunk driving.
The same applies to taking other substances, like illegal drugs and prescription medication that can induce drowsiness.
6. Take a Community Approach
Staying safe on the roads during Halloween takes a community effort. Drivers play a big role in reducing the risk of traffic accidents on Halloween night, but parents and local authorities share the responsibility.
Trick-or-treaters should be visible. Parents can choose light or brightly-colored costumes for their children or sew reflectors on their clothing. All road users — drivers and pedestrians — should heed municipal ordinances relating to traffic safety to maintain a safe environment.
If you’re on neighborhood online groups, discuss how you will manage traffic safety over Halloween. You can share the safety tips in this article with relevant community groups, friends, and family to foster a safer community during Halloween.
Updated 10/21/2024
