Halloween night often has busy streets that are packed with motorists and trick-or-treaters alike. With so many people on the roads, it is important that you prioritize safety first and foremost if you are heading out on Halloween. Before you drive anywhere, check out this quick list of Halloween driving safety tips.
- Stay sober: Drunk driving accidents are more common on most holiday nights because more people leave parties after drinking. Halloween is no exception. The risk of getting into a car accident will go up if you drive on Halloween night due to the increased number of drunk drivers. Do your part in reducing the risk of drunk driving accidents by staying completely sober yourself if you are driving. One drink is one drink too many if you are going to drive later that night.
- Avoid residential areas: Trick-or-treaters will be around residential areas the most. If you are driving anywhere, then you should see if you can plan a route away from residential areas or community events that will attract trick-or-treaters. In case you do have to drive down a street with trick-or-treaters around, you should slow down a bit. Travel about 5 mph slower than what you normally travel to give yourself more time to react if someone steps into the road.
- Turn on your headlights: Another good way to increase your safety and that of trick-or-treaters is to keep your headlights on, even before the sunset on Halloween. Trick-or-treaters sometimes begin their candy treasure hunts as early as 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. If you see some kids on the sidewalk in costumes, then you should turn on your headlights, no matter what time it is. Don’t turn on your high beams, though, which will blind pedestrians and drivers.
- Delay your drive: Is there an errand you are planning to run on Halloween night that doesn’t actually need to be done then? If so, you should delay that errand for another day that has fewer drivers and pedestrians around. For example, if you were just going to go get some groceries, then go the next morning. Halloween candy will be on sale then, too!
