BOISE – With the arrival of Halloween, AAA is sharing tips to make the evening a thriller for all the right reasons.
Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year, with children twice as likely to be killed by a car than on any other night.
“Parties, trick or treating, and community events are wonderful opportunities to gather and enjoy candy and costumes, but the highest priority is getting everyone home safely,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Please do your part to make sure the scares aren’t the result of a close call on the road.”
Tips for drivers
- Ghost your phone. Distracted drivers usually act like zombies behind the wheel.
- Check around your vehicle before backing out or driving away. Even back-up cameras can have blind spots.
- Watch for children darting through neighborhoods, across the street, or between cars.
- Slow down and drive at safe speeds.
Tips for parents
- Accompany small children and set a time limit for older kids to return. Make sure no one walks alone.
- Remind kids never to enter a home or garage to retrieve candy.
- Teach kids to cross at the corner rather than zig-zagging across the street.
- Dress children in costumes that allow them to see and be seen. Add lights or reflective tape to dark costumes.
“If you’re hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverage options to help people moderate their alcohol consumption. Make a plan for everyone to get home, whether through a ride-hailing app or a designated driver,” Conde said. “Never drive while under the influence. The cost is simply too high.”
