Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists

The most fun night of the year for children is, unfortunately, the most dangerous night for pedestrians. Drivers and Trick-or-Treaters should use caution and remain alert because, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the risk of a pedestrian fatality is 43% higher on Halloween. Here are some important Safety Tips for Drivers and Trick-or-Treaters to think about before heading out to enjoy fright night activities.

Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists

DRIVERS

Slow Down – Especially in residential areas. Even if you don’t see trick-or-treaters they are likely lurking.

Pay Attention – Particularly at crosswalks and intersections.

Use Caution – When passing cars that are stopped on the street, they could be unloading children.

Turn On – Your headlights well before sunset to make your vehicle as visible as possible.

Turn Down – Your radio and roll your windows down so you can hear outside your vehicle.

Stay Off – Your cell phone. Pull over if you need to check your messages or make a phone call.

Drive Defensively – Trick-or-treaters are going to be jacked up on sugar, so assume they are going to be distracted and likely to dart in front of you. Also assume that if you see one trick-or-treater, there ARE others that you don’t see.

DRIVERS – Be SURE YOU ALWAYS

• Use your turn signals to communicate with other drivers AND trick-or-treaters.
• Yield to trick-or-treaters. Pedestrians always have the right of way…it is especially important to yield to them on Halloween.

• Sort thru your children’s candy while driving them around.
• Wear your mask while driving.
• Wear a costume that interferes with your ability to control your vehicle. This includes shoes that you wouldn’t normally wear.
• This should go without saying, Don’t Drink and Drive. Not even a little, have a designated driver or use a car service.

PARENTS of TRICK-or-TREATERS

• Always accompany children younger than 10.
• Use bright costumes or reflective materials if possible.
• Incorporate a flashlight or glow sticks into their costume.
• Have a pre-game safety talk to remind them to have fun, but:
  • Walk (don’t run) from house to house.
  • Stay on the sidewalk instead of cutting through yards and in between cars.
  • Don’t cross the street without you & be sure to look both ways.
  • Watch for cars and never assume that a car sees you & will stop.
  • Keep your phone in your pocket, unless you are taking a picture on a porch. Your phone is a distraction.

Have fun, be safe first. An accident can ruin Halloween, and an injury can mean high doctor bills, lost work, property damage to your car, and much more.  If someone else was at fault, why should you have to pay the price?  The fact is, you probably shouldn’t.  That’s why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is a smart decision.

Hessig & Pohl’s injury lawyers offer the Fee Free Guarantee. Unless you win or settle your case, you do not pay a cent for their legal services. Their Kentucky personal injury attorneys work with some of the state’s best paralegals, accident reconstructionists, investigators, and detectives to get you the maximum compensation that is rightfully yours.

Let Hessig & Pohl’s legal team deal with the insurance company. You have nothing to lose and everything to win. Call Hessig & Pohl at (502)777-1111 or send us an email today.