Prevent Scary Auto Accidents This Halloween

Photo: Driving Test Finder

Halloween is the holiday for celebrating everything spooky. But here’s something truly scary: Halloween is one of the most dangerous holidays when it comes to automobile accidents. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.

What’s to blame for such a creepy statistic, and more importantly, how can we keep both kids and motorists safe on this night that’s supposed to be fun?

Luckily, there are a few easy things adults can do to protect the little ghosts and goblins in their neighborhood, and themselves if they plan to get behind the wheel.

Tips for Drivers

Yield to trick-or-treaters. Even if kids understand the basics about crossing the street properly, as a driver you should always be prepared for little ones to dart out in front of you.

Try not to pass stopped vehicles. Maybe the driver is going house-to-house with their child for trick or treating, or dropping them off at a friend’s. (And if you are dropping kids off, always use your 4-way hazard lights).

Skip the cell phone. Texting and driving is a bad habit any time of year, but it can be especially dangerous on Halloween with so many kids out and about. Keep your full attention on the road; you can answer your text messages or calls when you get to where you’re going.

If you’re going to a Halloween party, identify a designated driver in your group or have one on standby rather than get behind the wheel yourself.  

Try alternate routes. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere or want to avoid large groups of trick or treaters, plan to take a different route through town to get to your destination.

Safety experts recommend discouraging new drivers from being on the road on Halloween simply because there are more children and potential distractions around you.

Tips for Parents

Take your child trick or treating if you can. This is the best way to ensure your child will only visit familiar houses, cross streets properly, look for cars, and overall have a safe night.

Teach your child the correct way to cross the street. Teach them to look both ways when crossing, and to only cross at corners or crosswalks. If you’re taking a young child trick or treating, make sure they are holding someone’s hand—either yours or an older child’s.

Skip your cell phone. If you’re out with your child but scrolling through social media or checking text messages, you could unknowingly lead your child into danger if you’re not paying attention to oncoming cars or what’s going on around you.

Halloween is supposed to be a time for some spooky fun—follow some basic rules, encourage your children to do the same, and enjoy the night!