Halloween is all about faux frights, but the last thing anyone wants is a true nightmare. Unfortunately, All Hallow’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights for cars and pedestrians. That’s why our team at Foley Griffin has put together some of the most popular Halloween driving tips from around the web.
Tip #1: Adopt a Zombie’s Pace
Look to the walking dead for inspiration on how to drive this Halloween and SLOW DOWN. AAA recommends driving at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street. Drive especially slowly in residential neighborhoods, and unlike zombies, stay extra alert whenever you are behind the wheel.
Tip #2: Be Careful in Dark Alleys
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully, especially while reversing, and watch for children in dark clothing and costumes. Keep your headlights on at all times (even during the day) so you can see and be seen.
Keep in mind that children are harder to see at night and may be walking and crossing in unexpected places. Watch for children on roadways, medians, and curbs, and keep an eye out for children crossing the street – even mid-block or between parked cars.
Use your lights to help you broaden your scanning and look for children in yards and front porches.
Tip #3: Avoid Booze
During Halloween, “boos” are okay, but booze is not. Never drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and if you have even one drink on Halloween, arrange another way home. Any amount of alcohol can impair, and any impairment can be dangerous when there are young, excitable children on the road.
If you see a drunk driver on your journey, contact local law enforcement right away.
Tip #4: Make Your Handheld Devices Invisible
Spooky streets are no place for texting and driving. Put your phone away while you are driving and don’t let distractions get the best of you. If you need to answer a call or respond to a message, you can always pull over safely to do so.
Tip #5: You Shall Not Pass
If you see a stopped car on the road, do not try to pass it. Children are likely getting in or out of the vehicle, and when you see one trick-or-treater, others may be around and less visible.
Always yield to stopped cars and pedestrians on Halloween and treat every intersection as a crosswalk.
Bonus Tip: Bring Justice to Villains
Even if you practice safe driving during Halloween, you could encounter a true monster (i.e. a drunk or distracted driver). If you are harmed by someone else’s negligence, our team at Foley Griffin may be the heroes you need.
We wish you the safest and spookiest Halloween imaginable, but if something goes wrong, please do not hesitate to contact us at (888) 966-8480 or via our online form.
We handle car and pedestrian accidents at all times of the year, and we are ready to help you with a free consultation today.
Sources
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Safe Kids Worldwide
- The National Safety Council (NSC)
- Consumer Reports
- AAA (hyperlinked above)