Sobering Halloween Stats

Here’s a scary fact: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports Halloween night is the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. This is based on the organization’s analysis of 2000-2009 pedestrian fatality data. On Halloween, motorists need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, when pedestrians are most vulnerable.

As a result, AAA Southern New England advises drivers to slow down to watch for trick or treaters, who may cross between parked cars or mid-block.       

"Everybody has to be extra careful," said Thomas Michael, a Danbury Police Department detective and department spokesman. "The walkers should carry flashlights and wear something reflective on their costumes. People who are driving must be aware there are people walking where usually there isn't anyone walking."

AAA said because Halloween has evolved into a popular adult holiday, the motor club also recommends party-going adults designate a sober driver to take them home at evening’s close.  

To help make roadways safer this Halloween, AAA offers drivers these tips:

·         Watch for children! Excited trick-or-treaters, often in dark costumes, may not pay attention to traffic and cross mid-block or between parked cars.

·         Slow down. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, AAA’s research arm, the faster you go, the more apt you’ll hit a pedestrian. That walker is twice as likely to be killed if they’re hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to one traveling at 25 mph. 

·         Drive sober.  Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths. This translates into an average of one death every 45 minutes.

A few simple steps also can help parents keep their trick-or-treaters safe, too:

• Trick-or-Treat together.  AAA recommends parents accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12. 
• Make a plan. Review trick-or-treating safety precautions and plan the route ahead of time. Remind children never to cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
• Check costumes. Choose disguises that don't obstruct vision; opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks. Adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping and add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible.
• Buckle up.  If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.

AAA Southern New England is a not-for-profit auto club with 40 offices in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, providing more than 2.8 million members with travel, insurance, finance and auto-related services.