Ghost and Goblins will soon be taking over your neighborhood for Halloween!
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a night of candy and costumes has the potential to turn frightful for trick-or-treaters.
Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween - making October 31 the deadliest night of the year.
Here are some safety tips from AAA to keep your kids safe this Halloween:
Parents & Trick-or-Treaters
• Parents should accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12.
• Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters will follow.
• Cross streets only at the corner. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
• Select highly visible costumes. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility. Also, carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Avoid facemasks, which obstruct vision. Instead, use nontoxic face paint.
• Ensure costumes fit well. Watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
Motorists
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Slow down! A pedestrian is nearly twice as likely to be killed if they're hit by a car going 30 mph compared to if they're hit at 25 mph, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Just 5 mph can be the difference between life and death.
• Plan ahead. Check Beggars' Night dates for the municipalities you drive through each day.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters. Be aware that they may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross mid-block or between parked cars. Scan the road ahead.
Partygoers & Hosts
Halloween parties add another element of danger to the holiday. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up almost a third of all motor vehicle deaths. The following tips can help reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes this holiday:
• Make plans to get home safely. Select a designated driver or ensure a cab service or ride sharing option is available from the party location.
• Consider an overnight stay, either at a friend's home or at a nearby hotel.
• Ohio's host liability law holds those who serve alcohol liable for injury or death that occurs due to their drunken guests. When hosting a party, be sure to offer alternatives to alcohol.
With Halloween falling on a Monday this year, parties and Beggars' Nights will be spread out over several days, creating an extended period of time when motorists and pedestrians need to remain alert.
Treat dates & times across Columbus, Ohio.
