Halloween Carries a Scary Risk for Drivers and Pedestrians

October has the highest percentage of pedestrian deaths than any other month. Ahead of this week’s Halloween night, AAA is reminding evening commuters and other motorists to expect more pedestrians on the road, as millions of children and families across the country will be trick-or-treating through neighborhoods. One-fourth of all pedestrian deaths ranging in age from 5-14 occurred in the four days leading up to Halloween (October 28-31) in 2017, and fifty-two percent of pedestrian deaths occurred between the hours 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

“Whether it’s avoiding distractions or taking time to look before crossing the street, there are things both motorists and pedestrians can do to help keep everyone safe,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “We encourage people who are out on Halloween night to be alert, avoid distractions and never drive impaired."

AAA offers the following safety reminders for parents, trick-or-treaters and motorists:

Parents

• If using social media, post pictures and updates before or after you go trick-or-treating.  Avoid checking your phone while walking or supervising children.
• Walk with your children as they go door to door.  Be sure to show them safe places to cross the street.
• Have children carry a glow stick or flashlight to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Trick-or-Treaters

• Cross the street using traffic signals and crosswalks.  Look both ways before crossing and keep an eye on the road while you are crossing.
• Always walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks available and stay as far to the left as possible.
• Wear light-colored clothing or costumes with reflective material or tape for the best visibility. Avoid masks that hinder your view.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.  Only visit homes that have the porch light on and never go into a stranger’s house.

Motorists

• Drive slower through neighborhoods.  Driving five miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit will give you extra time to react to children who dart out in front of you.
• Avoid distractions while driving, such as checking social media, sending a text message and talking on the phone.
• Drive sober. Over 40 percent of fatal crashes on Halloween night involve a drunk driver.  Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink any alcohol.  Visit www.PreventDUI.AAA.com  to learn more.
• Where applicable, Tow to Go is available October 31 – November 1 at 6 a.m. Tow to Go.

For more on Halloween Safety, visit Exchange.AAA.com/Halloween  

About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.9 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Visit AAA on the Internet at AAA.com.