BOISE – Tomorrow is Halloween, and AAA is sharing tips to help keep everyone safe.
The information as critical, as statistically, children are more likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween night than on any other night of the year.
“This year, with Halloween falling on a Friday, there’s the potential for even more people to be out celebrating late into the night, and that increases the risk of deadly interactions between drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Just about everyone, including adults, gets excited for Halloween, but if the distraction causes us to lose sight of safety, the evening could end in regret.”
Tips for drivers
- Avoid residential areas as much as possible.
- Expect children and teens to be out and about. Drive at safe speeds and actively scan the road – excited kids may dart across the street at any time.
- If you plan to celebrate with alcohol, have a plan to get home safely and responsibly.
- Check all around your vehicle before leaving your parking space or driveway – in some cases, children may be hard to spot on back-up cameras.
Tips for trick-or-treaters
- Wear costumes that help you stay visible and able to move quickly in an emergency.
- If older children go unattended, have a plan for the route they’ll take and when they’ll return.
- Avoid crisscrossing back and forth from house to house – whenever possible, cross the road at corners and in well-lit areas.
- Never go into a home or garage to retrieve candy.
“A little extra caution goes a long way, and that’s especially true on Halloween night,” Conde said. “We appreciate everyone’s effort to be a good neighbor and get each family home safe.”