Every year, as dusk sets on October 31, streets everywhere fill with joyful shrieks as costumed children (and adults!) trek from door to door collecting treats from their neighbors. Although the night is themed with pretend danger, real dangers exist for drivers. As a motorist, expect to be sharing the roads on Halloween night with heavy foot traffic and extra vehicle traffic.
Keep these tips in mind on your Halloween night travels:
- Drive slowly – Especially if you are driving through a residential neighborhood, it is a good practice to slow down for the night so that you can stop quicker if needed.
- Follow basic traffic rules – This seems like a no brainer, but on a night when more people than usual will be out and about, a little more caution can’t hurt. This is not the night to be driving over the speed limit, swerving around slow vehicles or passing on the right.
- Put the phone, device, anything in your hands down – Texting and driving increases the chances of an accident exponentially. Your focus needs to remain on the road and surrounding areas at all times.
- Keep your view clear – Don’t pull out of the driveway until your windows are completely wiped clear or defogged, make sure your headlights are clean and working properly, and don’t drive your car if you have wipers that need replacing. Anything that could reduce your ability to see your surroundings is a danger.
- Keep your music low – If your stereo is blasting, then you aren’t likely to hear what is going on around you. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear people outside.
Drive safely and have a fun Halloween. Happy Trick or Treating!
