Halloween Driving Safety Tips
Halloween may be the most dangerous night of the year for kids.
And not because of all the stomach aches that occur from consuming an overabundance of candy.
No,there are multiple studies that indicate more children are hit by vehicles on October 31st than any other 24 hour period of the year.
The Center for Disease Control conducted a study between 1975 and 1996 that showed deaths for young (age 5-14) pedestrians is four times higher on Halloween than any other night of the year.
More generally, a 1999 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims most collisions between vehicles and young pedestrians occur between 4-8 PM–the heart of trick or treating, and 84% of young pedestrian deaths occur mid-block when kids try to dash across the street.
So, here are a few tips when you’re out driving this Sunday.
This is the one day or night out of the year that you should drive well below the speed limit–especially in residential neighborhoods where the majority of trick or treating is done.
Look out for kids darting across the street from between parked cars.
2-Be Careful Passing Stopped Vehicles
Before you assume some bonehead is pulled over just to aggravate you, remember, it may be a parent dropping off a bunch of costumed kids. Be extra careful that one doesn’t run in front of your vehicle while passinig.
3-Use Your Hazard Lights
If you’re the mom or dad dropping off the kids somewhere, when you pull over to let them out, throw on your hazard lights so other drivers see you pulled over and will hopefully slow down and drive more carefully.
4-Be Extra Vigilant When You See Kids
Look, kids do stupid things. They can’t help it. They don’t look both ways, they dart into the street without looking, they’re easily distracted and tonight, they’re all tweaked from excitement and from all the sugar they’ve ingested. Plus, if the kid has a mask on, they’re vision is impaired as well.
So, anytime you see a pack of kids with costumes on, open your eyes, sit up and pay attention and again…slow down.
5-Enter & Exit Driveways Carefully
With gangs of candy junkies walking the sidewalks of your neighborhood, make sure you’re especially careful when pulling in and out of driveways.
Drive safe, score a lot of candy, have fun. Happy Halloween!
Article courtesy of: http://theexpiredmeter.com/2010/10/halloween-driving-safety-tips-2/