With crowds of trick-or-treaters expected in neighborhoods around the country, the National Safety Council (NSC) urges caution for everyone out on the roads during the Halloween holiday.
Most crash-related pedestrian fatalities occur when it is dark, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and pedestrian deaths spike Halloween night. Increased pedestrian traffic, alcohol consumption and lower visibility because of costumes and masks, as well as shorter daylight hours, increase the risk of crashes or incidents.
The NSC recommends the following safety tips for both drivers and trick-or-treaters:
Costumes
- Choose bright-colored costumes and use reflective tape, glowsticks or flashlights to boost visibility
- Use nontoxic face paint and/or well-fitted hats instead of masks that may obstruct vision
- Costumes should be flame-resistant and fit well to prevent tripping
Pedestrian safety
- Walk on the sidewalk when possible; if no sidewalk is available, walk close to the curb facing traffic and always obey traffic signs and signals
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways and avoid walking between parked cars
- Children should travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay with their friends
- Young children should be accompanied by adults who are not impaired by drugs or alcohol, or distracted by cell phones
Driving during trick-or-treat hours
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways carefully
- Make eye contact with pedestrians looking to cross the street so they know you see them
- Discourage inexperienced drivers from driving during this time
Get more Halloween safety tips here, and have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.
Source: NSC
