Decorating for Halloween has become a tradition for many families, and a competition in many communities. Home decorating contests surged in popularity last year as families sought socially distanced ways to celebrate the season, and many neighborhoods are organizing them again in 2021.
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.
"A moonlit trip past haunted manors and ghostly graveyards is a great way to get into the spooky spirit," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "But we encourage drivers and pedestrians to avoid risky behaviors that can turn the road itself into a scary place."
AAA recommends the following tips for drivers this weekend:
- Remain seated and buckled. Everyone in the vehicle should remain seated and buckled at all times, even when parked on the side of the road.
- Designate a navigator. If you need to check a map, take pictures, or do anything that will take your attention off the road, pull over or delegate those tasks to a passenger.
- If you are driving, focus on driving. Even going just a few miles over the speed limit in a residential neighborhood greatly increases the dangers for cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road.
- Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters. Pedestrians can be very unpredictable, especially children. Be on the lookout for children's shoes or costumes under vehicles to make sure they are not crossing the street between parked cars in neighborhoods.
AAA Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
- Be visible. Light-colored clothing or costumes provide the best visibility to motorist. If unavailable, try adding reflective material or tape to costumes to increase visibility. Giving your child a glow stick or flashlight to carry also increases their chances of seeing and being seen by drivers.
- Cross the street responsibly. Cross using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing the street and keep an eye on the road while are you are crossing. Remind your child to not cross the street mid-block or run out between parked cars in neighborhoods.
- Don't walk distracted. Save the social media updates for before or after you go trick-or-treating. Avoid checking your phone while walking or supervising children.
- Stay on sidewalks. If no sidewalks are available, always walk facing traffic and stay as far to the left of the roadway as possible.