Halloween holds a special place in our hearts. Whether we’re taking our family trick-or-treating or dressing up for our own parties, it’s a time when we can relax and spend time together as a community. On the other hand, Halloween is the most dangerous holiday for children. There are more accidents involving people under fifteen on Halloween than any other night of the year. Don’t cancel the candy just yet, though! With this advice from Michigan Heidebreicht you can make Halloween safe for you and your neighbours.
Find out when trick-or-treating is held in your area. If Halloween falls during the week there will be weekend celebrations too, so check your city’s website and local community centers for dates. Each day- especially on Halloween itself- be especially alert between four and eight in the evening when trick-or-treaters are roaming the streets. Test your car’s lights, mirrors, and signals to make sure everything is in good working order. If you haven’t gotten your brakes checked recently this is a great time to make an investment in safety. Once you have everything in tip-top shape, run your Chevy through the car wash to keep the windows crystal clear. Even the brightest costume can be hard to spot through a dusty windshield.
Expect Surprises
Trick-or-treaters usually walk in groups with a few adults. They’re as excited as they are adorable, full of sugar, and often wear masks that limit their peripheral vision. This makes them unpredictable, both for their parents and for you as a driver. Nearly all accidents on Halloween happen somewhere other than an intersection. Drive slowly through residential neighborhoods and around community centers. Try not to stop cars since they could be dropping off trick-or-treaters. If you have to pass a parked vehicle, move cautiously and look out for small people. Be extra careful pulling into driveways since you have to cross the sidewalk.
Most new cars are equipped with daytime running lamps for safety. If you don’t have this feature, consider leaving the headlights on to make your vehicle more visible to parents and kids. Remember to use turn signals even when you might let it slide, like turning into your driveway or a parking lot.
Above all, always yield to young pedestrians even when you have the right of way. Younger children may not understand road safety, or they could trip in the middle of the street. Even teenagers might forget themselves and dart across the road to see a friend. Don’t assume children can see you. Being watchful and ready to stop can prevent a tragedy.
Limit Distractions
Stay off the phone when driving through residential neighborhoods. Resist the temptation to check your texts at stop signs, and pull over if you need to get directions. While the hands-free technology available in new Chevys and GMs makes things safer, it’s still best to avoid the phone entirely in crowded areas. If you wear a Halloween costume with a mask or hat, leave it off until you reach your destination. Masks will block your peripheral vision just as they do for children, and bulky hats make it hard to turn your head freely.
Be a Considerate Pedestrian
Those walking with trick-or-treaters have more options to keep the roads safe. Make your kids visible at night with glow-sticks or reflective tape. Before you leave, talk about how to cross streets and what to do if anyone gets separated from the group. Planning ahead and paying attention saves lives. Let’s work together and keep our children safe this Halloween.
