Motorists Urged to Stay Alert for Halloween

October 31, 2003

It's almost Halloween, and that means giggling ghosts and wicked witches will be trick-or-treating in your neighborhood. Communities that don't normally have a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic may experience an increase on Halloween night. Because children tend to focus on the excitement of Halloween and forget about safety, it's up to parents, care givers, and motorists to take special care so that our communities have a safe and happy holiday, and aren't "haunted" by unnecessary injuries.

Alcohol consumption is also high during Halloween due to the increased popularity of adult parties. Although some communities have instituted free cab ride programs on Halloween to reduce impaired driving, our best defense against impaired drivers is the use of safety belts.

To protect our families, friends, and neighbors, the following traffic safety tips will help to ensure that this Halloween is safe for all:

• LOOK AROUND. Trick-or-treaters may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars without looking and listening first. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.

• SLOW DOWN and be patient. Give children lots of time to cross the street. Their costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you, or to get out of your way quickly.

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE – on Halloween or any night. If you are partying, designate a sober driver.

• ALWAYS BUCKLE UP. Make sure that children riding in cars are properly restrained, even on short trips around the neighborhood or to community events. All passengers must be belted, as the best defense against a dangerous impaired driver on the roadway is a safety belt.