AAA: Halloween is ripe for fatal New Jersey pedestrian accidents
Tomorrow the streets will be covered with children trick-or-treating. The streets will also be populated by drunk Halloween partygoers. This horrible combination makes Halloween the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians across the country according the AAA. There are however several ways that both drivers and parents can help prevent pedestrian accidents this Halloween.
Drivers should remember these safety tips:
- Avoid residential area shortcuts. The freeway and main roads will be faster than the typical neighborhood shortcut because of the increased amounts of foot traffic during trick-or-treating.
- Slow down. Pedestrians are twice as likely to die in crashes involving cars going 35 mph compared to cars going 25 mph. This means that slowing down can make a significant impact on the severity of any personal injuries. Going slower also gives both pedestrians and drivers more time to avoid each other.
- Watch for Trick-or-Treaters. You never know when a child will pop onto the street. Avoid distracted driving and remain focused on the road.
- Drive sober. Take advantage of parties within walking distance or free Tipsy Tow services that some communities offer. Staying over at a host’s home or renting a nearby hotel room are also excellent ways to avoid a drunk driving accident.
Parents can also make the trick-or-treat experience safe for children by following these tips:
- Teach children to look before crossing the street and to never walk out from between parked cars.
- Dress children in light colors that are more visible to motorists.
- Choose face paint instead of vision-blocking masks.
Source: ABC15, “Halloween is the deadliest night for pedestrians,” Oct. 25, 2011
