CINCINNATI – During Halloween, children are four times more likely to fall and be injured than any other night. Add that statistic to 36 million potential trick-or-treaters, more adults on the road celebrating the weekend party date and inattentive motorists to create a scary and dangerous situation.
AAA strongly urges everyone play an active part in keeping the roads safe this Halloween.
Parents with trick-or-treaters should remember the following:
- A safer Halloween starts with a costume that makes it easy for the child to walk, see and be seen. Costumes should be made of light-colored or white material with reflectors. Children should also wear regular shoes for comfort and safety.
- Trick-or-treat while it is still light. Depending on the weather, it will begin to get dark at just after 5:30 p.m. on Halloween, which is the last day this year for daylight-saving time.
- Use makeup instead of a mask, which can block a child’s field of vision.
- Each child should carry a flashlight to illuminate the path or walk and to make it easier for motorists to see the child. Never allow a child to carry a candle or allow any costume near an open flame.
- Cross streets only at corners and obey all traffic rules, signs and signals. Never cross mid-block and never allow a child to dart out from behind a parked vehicle.
- Select a route that will be properly lighted and have little or slow-moving traffic.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
- Remind children to never enter a stranger’s house, even if invited, and to never eat any items until an adult has inspected them.
"In addition to children, who are eager to trick-or-treat, adults will also be taking advantage of the Saturday date with Halloween parties," said Elaine Zeinner, AAA spokeswoman.
The National Retail Federation estimates that one in three adults will either attend or host a Halloween party this year. Nearly two-thirds of 18 to 24-year-olds will attend such a party. That means that adults who plan to party as well as parents with children eager to don costumes and go door to door need to think about safety.
AAA recommends adult party goers take the following precautions on Halloween:
- Appoint a designated driver before the festivities start. If no designated driver is available, make plans to take a cab or spend the night.
- Avoid as many residential areas as possible.
- As host/hostess, make sure that all departing guests who will drive are fit to do so.
- Go slowly in residential areas and give pedestrians the right of way. For added safety, turn on vehicles’ headlights well before dusk.
- Do not park on the street. This will keep cars or trucks from blocking the view other drivers will need of children on the prowl.
"AAA reminds all parents and motorists that keeping Halloween safe is a responsibility shared by every adult. Fortunately, all it takes to do this is some planning and extra caution," Zeinner said.
For more information about AAA, members and non-members can visit one of 11 offices in Greater Cincinnati, go online to AAA.com or call (513) 762-3100.
