OHIO — As Halloween approaches, AAA advises people of traffic safety risks for trick-or-treaters and partygoers as the pedestrian activity is increasing, along with the risk of impaired driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween remains among the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities each year.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol data shows that there were a combined 75 pedestrian-involved accidents on Halloween night over the past five years. While there were no deaths documented, there were reports of serious injuries.

“With an increased risk of pedestrian crashes on Halloween night, AAA urges parents to take the time to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists,” said Kara Hitchens, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA.  “In addition, motorists must eliminate distractions, slow down and watch for children, as well as have a completely sober designated driver if drinking as part of a Halloween celebration.”

Parents need to be more alert since the chances of children getting hurt by moving cars increase on Halloween night.

“Halloween is a time to make happy memories, not tragic nightmares,” said Hitchens. “The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is an impaired driver.” 

AAA Halloween Safety Tips

• Eliminate distractions while driving, focus on the road and trick-or-treaters.
• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals, give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
• Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys, taking extra care if you are backing up or turning.
• Turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.

• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility.
• Be bright at night – have trick-or-treaters use glow sticks or wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and on treat buckets.
• Ensure disguises don’t obstruct vision and avoid full facemasks.
• Create face masks that coordinate with costumes and won’t obstruct vision.
• Ask an adult or older child to supervise children under age 12.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
• Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.

• Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
• Watch for cars turning or backing up.
• Cross streets only at the corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
• Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
• Tell your parents where you are going.
• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries. Never shine flashlights into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

• Arrange a safe ride home and designate a driver before partaking in any festivities.
• Always designate a sober driver.
• If you are drunk, take a taxi or ride share service, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
• Before leaving for a party, load ride share apps or put numbers of local cab companies or your designated driver into your phone.
• Walking impaired can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.