Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween is a fun-filled, candy-eating, scare-bound night, but it is also a very dangerous night for children, pedestrians and motorists.
Deadly facts from Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 1990-2010:
– 115 children were fatality struck by a vehicle on Halloween over the 21 years of the study.
– An average of 5.5 fatalities occur each year on Halloween.
– 70% of accidents happen in intersections or crosswalks.
“More people are struck by vehicles on Halloween than any other night of the year, especially between 4 and 8 p.m.,” Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director said. “Anyone out on Halloween night, regardless of age, should take extra care when walking or driving to prevent crashes and injuries.”
Safety Tips:
Motorists:
– Limit distractions, especially passengers who may distract the driver.
– Travel slowly through neighborhoods and especially around curves or near cross walks.
– Enter and exit driveways with extreme caution.
– Keep an eye on pedestrians
Pedestrians:
– Cross only at marked intersections.
– Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
– Wear reflective clothing or carry flashlights.
– Limit clothing or masks that could impair vision or ability to move.
– Use sidewalks if possible.
Trick-or-Treating:
– Plan a route in advanced.
– Wear comfortable shoes.
– Stay well-lit using reflective tape or flashlights.
– Make sure costumes are not long enough to create a tripping hazard or obstruct movement.
– Avoid masks that make it difficult to see or breathe.
– Check children’s candy for choking hazards or tampering.
– Walk in groups or with trusted adults.
Happy Halloween! Have fun and stay safe!