Halloween falls on a Monday this year and AAA reminds drivers to be extra careful as millions of children and families across Georgia will be trick-or-treating through neighborhoods.
“We encourage people who are out celebrating this weekend and on Halloween to be alert, avoid distractions and never drive impaired,” Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for the AAA - The Auto Club Group said in a press release.
AAA offers the following safety reminders:
Motorists:
-
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
-
Wear your seatbelts and drive slowly through neighborhoods. Driving five miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit will give you extra time to react to children who may dart out in front of you.
-
Avoid distractions while driving, such as checking social media, sending text messages, and talking on the phone.
-
Drive sober. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink any alcohol.
Trick-or-Treaters
-
Cross the street using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing and keep an eye on the road while you are crossing.
-
Always walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks available and stay as far to the left as possible.
-
Wear light-colored clothing or costumes with reflective material or tape for the best visibility. Avoid masks that hinder your view.
-
Stay in familiar neighborhoods. Only visit homes that have the porch light on and never go into a stranger’s house.
Parents
-
Walk with your children as they go door to door. Be sure to show them safe places to cross the street.
-
Have children carry a glow stick or flashlight to help them see and be seen by drivers.
If using social media, post pictures and updates before or after you go trick-or-treating. Avoid being on your phone while walking or supervising children.
