AAA: Keep Halloween bashes from turning into crashes

Written by Maggie Caldwell
Thursday, 29 October 2009 11:47

This Halloween, make sure that the things that go bump in the night aren’t people getting hit by cars, says AAA Southern New England’s Connecticut Division.

As one of the most festive nights of the year for children, this year’s weekend holiday will bring out spooky vampires, giggling princesses and favorite superheroes onto neighborhood streets.

There’s a great potential for an increase in motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents when a large number of partygoers are on the road the same night as trick or treaters are. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate the number of motor vehicle fatalities usually rises when Oct. 31 falls on weekend night compared to other days of the week. In fact, in 2008 when Halloween fell on a Friday night, more than half (58%) of all highway fatalities on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 6 a.m. Nov. 2) involved a driver with a BAC level of .08 or higher.

With that in mind, AAA Connecticut Motor Club has some suggestions for partygoers and trick or treaters to reduce their risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Trick-or-Treaters and parents

• Wear highly visible, bright reflective costumes that are easy to see in darkness. Add reflective tape and carry flashlights to increase visibility.

• Review safety precautions with children, including traffic safety rules: Cross at crosswalks, avoid walking between parked cars; and walk facing traffic on roads without sidewalks.

• Plan a trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks. Arrange for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger trick-or-treaters.

• Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight helps trick-or-treaters see and be seen.

Partygoers

• Have safe transportation options ready. If you’re intending to consume alcohol, make plans to get home safely by selecting a designated drive or making sure cab service is available from a party location.

• Consider an overnight stay. If attending a party at a friend’s home, consider asking to stay overnight.

• Plan your travel route carefully. Try to avoid cutting through residential areas that will likely have a large number of trick-or-treaters. Watch your speed! Slow down; drive five miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit.

• When driving, broaden you scan. Look into yards and on front porches, not just to the sidewalk. Children will be coming from everywhere.

• Use your headlights beginning at dusk to make yourself more visible.

This was submitted by AAA Southern New England’s Connecticut Division, a not-for-profit auto club which provides more than 2.7 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.