Rules of the road on Halloween!

The increased foot traffic on Halloween also increases the potential for car-related accidents. Drivers are distracted by the ghosts, witches and ballerinas walking along the streets. Parents who are driving their children are watching their own children and may not notice others crossing in front of them. Everyone is preoccupied. Some simply may not pay as much attention to the rules of the road – whether they are pedestrians or drivers.

1. With all the stop and go traffic in neighborhoods, drivers sometimes take the risk of using cell phones, texting, taking a quick photo of the scariest outfit on the block. Follow the law. Keep your cell phone in your pocket. If you want to take that picture, park the car and don’t start driving again until you are done.

2. Be cautious while driving. There are children walking along the sides of the road – some in those black witch costumes that you can’t see. Be extra cautious at crosswalks where children my dart across the street.

3. Slow down. In fact, go below the speed limit in populated areas, not only during trick-or-treat hours but also after hours when the older kids may be walking home.

4. Do not pass a stopped car. It may have stopped to drop off or pick up the kids.

5. If you are driving the children around the neighborhood, label your car clearly, maybe with a Jack-o-lantern on the dashboard, so that they don’t mistakenly get into the wrong car (predators are lurking on nights such as this…)

6. When you are dropping off or picking up the kids, make sure you pull safely off the side of the road.

7. Leave the car hazard lights on if you are waiting for the children as they are trick or treating.

By following a few safety rules, Halloween can be fun for all!