A Safe Halloween is a Fun Halloween
Halloween is this Sunday. That means lots of candy, trick-or-treating, and house parties. It is a time to dress up, have fun, and ease up on sugar restrictions. It is also a time to be extra careful on the roads because little ones are roaming. Finally, it is a good time to remind everyone to stay vigilant about Halloween safety because incidents of drunk driving increase around All Hallow’s Eve.
To remind the public about the increased risks surrounding the festive holiday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a number of safety tips for motorists, trick-or-treaters, and those who may be hosting a Halloween party.
Halloween Safety Reminders for Motorists
For those of you who will be driving on Sunday evening, please keep the following in mind:
- Stay on the alert for trick-or-treaters. When in residential areas, slow way down. Constantly scan the road and sidewalks for children, who tend to make unpredictable movements, especially when they are exited.
- On Halloween evening, there will be many more pedestrians on the roads than usual. They will be in areas they are not usually expected. Keep your speed slow and awareness high – this can save lives.
- Relatedly, stay alert for children who may emerge suddenly from behind visual obstacles such as shrubbery or parked cars. Stop your car and let them pass.
- Remember that motorists need to limit distractions, especially those of the mobile phone variety. Keep your attention focused on the road and surrounding areas.
- If you see a driver exhibiting erratic movements that suggest they are under the influence, notify the police.
Halloween Safety Reminders for Trick-or-Treaters and Guardians
For costumed trick-or-treaters and their guardians, the following safety tips apply:
- Always walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks if they are available.
- If going trick-or-treating without an adult guardian, go over the “buddy system” to ensure that no one is left behind to walk alone.
- Obey the rules of the road; follow traffic signals at intersections.
- Do not look at your phone while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Increase your visibility to motorists with glow sticks and flashlights.
- If you are a guardian, make sure you limit the number of children you are watching to a number you can actually keep track of.
Halloween Safety Reminders for Party Hosts
Staying home and hosting a gathering is a good alternative to driving on the roads, as long as there is an emphasis on partygoer safety.
- Be a responsible host. Be proactive to ensure that your guests have safe rides home.
- Serve an assortment of non-alcoholic beverage options and plenty of food.
- If guests are drinking, first collect their car keys.
- Be prepared to call rideshares or taxis, or offer a bed to stay overnight. If you are sober, you can also drive your impaired guests home.
- Be aware of the laws in your region for social host liability, and never provide alcohol to minors.
We hope that everyone uses diligence and extra caution and safely enjoys this spooky October weekend!
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below is a PSA from the CHP regarding drinking and driving on Halloween.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thanks for taking the time to visit our legal blog. I’m Ed Smith, and I have been a Sacramento personal injury lawyer for close to four decades. We always look forward to the holidays but are aware that they bring extra dangers to the roads, one of which is an increase in instances of impaired driving. If you have been hurt as a result of another driver’s negligence, call our experienced injury lawyers. We can set up a no-obligation consultation or simply offer compassionate, free and friendly advice. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or reach out via our online form.
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Photo: by Sabina Music Rich via Unsplash
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