Halloween Safety Tips to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents

Halloween is considered to be one of those holidays that is as fun for adults as it is for children. While adult-only Halloween parties can be a great time, they typically involve alcohol, which can make for dangerous drivers on the roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween-related drunk driving fatalities have increased in recent years. Between 2012 and 2016, there were a total of 168 drunk driving fatalities that occurred on Halloween. In that same five-year span, 44 percent of all traffic accident fatalities on Halloween were in crashes that involved a drunk driver.

Being a pedestrian at any time can be dangerous, but during a holiday like Halloween, there can be an increased risk for pedestrian accidents. While some things might be out of your control, here are a few ways you can keep yourself and your children safe on Halloween:

• Do not let your cell phone or other electronic devices distract you while you are driving. On Halloween, there will be more pedestrians on the streets than normal, especially children, who can be unpredictable.
• Stay alert at all times. Pedestrians on the road can be difficult to see, especially when there is not very much lighting. This means that you should heed all posted speed limits and proceed with caution, especially when you are driving through residential areas.
• Never drink and drive. If you have had a couple drinks, call for a taxi or get a ride from a ride-sharing company like Uber or Lyft.

• Always use a sidewalk if one is available - you are safer on the sidewalk than in the street. If there is no sidewalk available, stay as far away from traffic as possible and walk facing traffic.
• Make yourself as visible as possible. If you are out trick-or-treating, it will most likely be dark outside, or there will be limited light. If it is possible, wear bright or reflective clothing so motorists can see you easily. Carry a flashlight with you or wear glow sticks to help illuminate yourself and ensure that drivers can see you.
• If you know you will be drinking on Halloween, make plans to get yourself home before you go out. Have one of your friends be the designated driver or call a family member or friend to come pick you up at a specific time. Many places also have hotlines that you can call to help you get home safely.
• Always supervise your children when you are out trick-or-treating. Even though Halloween is exciting for children, make sure that they know the basic rules of the road when it comes to being a pedestrian. Teach your children that they should stop and look both ways before crossing a street and always be aware of their surroundings.

The spookiest season of the year does not also have to be the most deadly. Drunk driving is entirely preventable, and so are many traffic accidents that do not involve alcohol. If you or your child have been injured in a car accident, a Monterey personal injury attorney can help you determine your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. Contact Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. to begin discussing your case. Call our office at 408-298-7200 to set up a free consultation.

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