AAA Carolinas urges Safety during Halloween Festivities

Trick-or-Treaters and adult costumed partygoers will soon be flooding the streets and neighborhoods for Halloween celebrations throughout the Carolinas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween is consistently among the top days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. NHTSA data reveals that one-third of Halloween crash fatalities involve a pedestrian and from 2009 to 2016, 43% of all traffic deaths on Halloween involved a drunk driver. “Don’t become a scary statistic this Halloween,” said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright. “What should be a fun holiday can turn into a real life horror story when people fail to take the proper safety precautions during the festivities.” AAA Carolinas is offering tips to help everyone have a safe Halloween. ​Motorists, if possible, avoid driving during the “haunting hours” between 4-9pm, the time when trick-or-treaters will be the most active. Avoid distractions by staying off of your phone; this includes talking, texting or using other apps. Disconnect and drive. Yield to pedestrians, as children may not stop for your approaching car because they do not see it or they do not understand how to safely cross the street. Don’t pass stopped vehicles as the driver may be dropping off children or have stopped for trick-or-treaters you cannot yet see. Drive slowly and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods as excited trick-or-treaters can move in unpredictable ways. Turn your headlights on, even if it is still daylight out, it helps to have your lights on so children may better see your approaching car. Parents and Trick-or-Treaters should carry flashlights, wear brightly colored costumes and add reflective tape to increase visibility. Have all candy checked by a trusted adult prior to consumption. Never accept rides from strangers and hold hands with a friend or family member. Travel in groups and plan the route ahead of time. Stop at well-lit homes and stay clear of dark houses. Wear well-fitting costumes, masks and shoes. Walk on the sidewalk at all times and look both ways repeatedly before crossing the street. Partygoers should always plan ahead by designating a sober driver before the party begins. Never get behind the wheel when you have been drinking or ride in a car driven by someone who has. Use a taxi service, Lyft or Uber. Don’t hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired. If hosting a party, make sure you have alcohol-free drinks as an option. If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself). AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.