Fall celebrations like Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, and Harvest Day bring lots of fun for kids and adults, but they also mean extra caution is required to keep everyone safe on the road.
Drivers, here are some important tips to follow:
- Drive slower than normal, and don’t pass stopped vehicles that may be unloading trick-or-treaters.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Always use your turn signals and communicate with eye contact with pedestrians and other drivers if possible.
- Yield to kids in all cases—they may dart in the road because they don’t see you or don’t know how to cross the street.
- Put away your mobile phone so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Only use it when safely parked.
- Party-goers: Drive sober or get pulled over! Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating with alcohol.
Parents, here are some ways to keep your kids safe:
- Ensure that goblins under the age of 12 have adult supervision.
- Put on your hazards when dropping off or picking up your kids.
- Stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Choose face-paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Brighten them up! Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
- Set a good example: Don’t J-walk, and look left, right and left again at crosswalks.
- Stay inside: Consider an indoor or vehicle-free outdoor community event to enjoy a stress-free holiday.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Mentor