Halloween 2015 on Saturday Brings More Parties, DUI Dangers

Trick-or-treaters probably let out a cheer when it became apparent Halloween falls on a Saturday this year.

The same goes for adults, who may stay up later, celebrate a little more and sleep in on their day off.

But the Halloween excitement should be tempered with some caution, experts say.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety warns that even though the holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s no reason to let your guard down when it comes to safety.

Alcohol is usually the main concern with Halloween festivities, but drinking could increase this year because many people do not have to be at work the next day, the GOHS said in a news release.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 43 percent of all people killed from 2009 to 2013 in traffic crashes between 6 p.m Halloween night and 6 a.m. the following morning died in crashes involving a drunk driver.

“On Halloween nights only, 119 people lost their lives [2009-13],” the governor’s office said. “Unfortunately, it’s not just drunk drivers and other motorists at risk. Trick-or-treaters and the parents accompanying them are also part of the tragedy of impaired driving. From 2009 to 2013, 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night involved drunk drivers.”

Troubling were the results of an AAA survey, in which 55 percent of parents in Georgia said they were no more concerned about their children’s safety with Halloween landing on a Saturday than they would be on any other day.

AAA said fatal injuries from motor vehicle crashes rise nearly 50 percent when Halloween falls on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

“A safe Halloween means seeing and being seen,” said Amy Stracke, Managing Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA. “Excited children who may break the safety rules they usually follow, need to be reminded that safety is a responsibility we all share.”

To help make this a safer Halloween, AAA offers a few easy tips:

Motorists

• Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential areas. Children may unexpectedly dart out in the street or from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they will be harder to see at night
• Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight
• Drive sober. Over 40 percent of fatal crashes on Halloween night involve a drunk driver. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. Visit www.PreventDUI.AAA.com to learn more.

Parents

• Parents are encouraged to walk children door to door while trick-or-treating, showing children safe places to cross the street.
• Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12
• Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Bring a flashlight to help trick-or-treaters see and be seen.
• Pick a costume that is safe for your child to move in and see out of. Buy costumes and wigs labeled “flame resistant.”

Trick-or-Treaters

• Cross the street and corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways between crossing and keep an eye on the road while you are crossing
• Wear light colored clothing or costumes with reflective material or tape for the best visibility. Consider using nontoxic face paint instead of masks to avoid obstructing vision.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.Only visit homes that have the porch light on and never go into a stranger’s house.
• Always have an adult check your treats before you eat. Discard anything that looks like it has been unwrapped or tampered with.

For additional tips to keep Halloween safe, visit http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-safety/halloween-safety