Vehicular safety on Halloween is most likely the last thing on the mind of a ghost, superhero, monster, or other costumed kid wandering the streets in search of candy. It’s up to motorists to make sure it’s a top concern – and with good reason. Children face more than double the average risk of being hit and killed by a car on Halloween, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
“Halloween brings together all kinds of risks in a single night,” says Ed Taube, lead trainer at the Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC). “Distractions, darkness, and a surge in pedestrian traffic – especially kids – are all in play. If you’re an experienced driver, plan ahead to lower the risk for everyone. If you’re new behind the wheel, leave the driving to a seasoned motorist.”
ACNSC offers these 10 safety tips for anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
- Treat Neighborhoods Like School Zones
Drop 5 to 10 mph below the limit on residential streets, even if you don’t see trick-or-treaters in plain sight. Extra time gives you room to react. - Turn Car Lights on Early
Turn your headlights on before dusk. Use high beams on empty roads and switch to low beams as others approach. - Phone Off, Eyes on the Road
Set navigation before you roll, use Do Not Disturb while Driving, and if you need to check voice messages or texts, pull over safely. - Assume There’s a Kid Behind Every Car
Scan parked cars, medians, alleys, and driveways. Watch for kids darting from between parked cars or mid-block. If you see one child, more could be nearby. - Hazards On for Curbside Drop-offs
Pull over at a safe spot next to the curb, not in a traffic lane. Use hazard lights so other drivers see stop-and-go activity. Have kids exit on the curb side. - Buckle ’Em Up
If you’re transporting kids for Halloween festivities, make sure they’re buckled up before moving. Use the appropriate car seat or seat belt for age, height, and weight. Recheck latches and belts at each stop. - Sober Plan Before the Party
Line up a designated driver, rideshare, or transit. Drunk driving accidents increase on Halloween. - Skip Shortcuts and U-turns
Extra maneuvers create conflict points. Stay patient behind vehicles stopping for trick-or-treaters. - Park Smart, Back Out Slow
Try to park away from foot traffic. Back up inch by inch, watching mirrors and the rear camera. Check for kids at bumper height. - Give Walkers the Right of Way Every Time
Stop well behind crosswalks. Make eye contact with pedestrians looking to cross the street so they know you see them. Wait for clear space before moving.
By making traffic safety a priority, we can make sure Halloween is a treat for everyone.
Arizona Chapter National Safety Council is an advocate for the safety and security of all road users. Our defensive driving courses offer up-to-date, cutting-edge content designed to teach drivers how to prevent collisions, accidents, injuries, and more serious outcomes. Learn more at: https://www.acnsc.org/defensive-driving/