Halloween falls on a Friday this year, adding an extra layer of fun to the weekend. Believe it or not, the last time this occurred was in 2014. And if you read Gallagher & Hagopian’s monthly newsletter – and if you haven’t, we encourage you to sign up – then you noticed we extensively covered the significance of the year’s most frightening holiday falling on a weekend. There are not only safety concerns for parents and trick-or-treaters to keep in mind while out walking, but also for drivers navigating the busy roads and neighborhoods of Sarasota and Manatee counties at night.
In fact, more child pedestrians were killed in auto accidents that happened on Halloween compared to any other date between 2011 to 2020, according to a USA Today report. As a driver, there’s more to Spooky Season than staying alert – and here are five ways to be responsible behind the wheel.
Your Top 5 Safety Tips for Driving on Halloween
- Slow Down in Residential Areas – Kids can be unpredictable, especially on a night filled with costumes, candy and excitement. When you’re on the road, reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react and avoid a potential accident. Keep it well below the posted speed limit in neighborhoods – especially once darkness sets in.
- Eliminate Distractions Behind the Wheel – There have been a number of studies over the years linking distracted driving, including the use of cell phones, to increases in traffic fatalities and serious injuries. On Halloween night, a split-second glance could lead to an accident, which is why your focus should be on the road, your speed and sidewalks alone. Put down the phone, don’t reach for any loose items rolling around on the floor avoid eating and driving, and keep your head on a swivel.
- Be Cautious at Intersections and Crosswalks – You may have the right-of-way in certain situations. However, be ready for kids who may not be looking before stepping off the curb. Approach every intersection slowly and scan the area in all directions. If you’re stopping, it’s also a smart idea to leave a generous amount of space for pedestrians.
- Watch for Dark Costumes, Especially After Dusk – On Halloween, count on encountering dark-colored costumes. Not every parent insists their child wear easy-to-spot clothing – and not every trick-or-treater wants to wear a bright outfit. Darker costumes can be nearly invisible from a distance, which is why you need to ensure your headlights are on, your eyes are moving and you’re ready to react when and if the time comes. Remember: just because you see one child doesn’t mean there aren’t more close by.
- Avoid Passing Stopped Vehicles – Keep in mind that a car stopped on the side of the road may be dropping off or picking up trick-or-treaters. Like school buses on any given weekday, you can expect pulled over vehicles on Halloween to have children either getting in or out of the vehicle, stowing bags, putting on seatbelts or leaving doors open as they get settled. Treat every stopped vehicle as a potential hazard, pass slowly and proceed with caution.
We’re Here, Ready to Fight for You
You can take every precaution, but accidents can still happen in a split second. It’s why, when you’ve been injured, choosing the right law firm matters in the fight for your rights and what’s fair to you. At Gallagher & Hagopian, we’re local – and so are our results, in the corner of our clients in Sarasota and Manatee counties.