Halloween is upon us. You may feel that you already see some scary driving on the roads, but you will want to take extra precautions for little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts running around looking for candy. While some areas and neighborhoods have cancelled trick-or-treating due to the pandemic, not all communities have. So, it’s important to stay alert and keep your attention on the road.
Here are some tips to make sure this Halloween is safe and fun for everyone.
Get home early. Halloween is on a Saturday night this year, so you won’t have to worry about the evening commute overlapping with trick-or-treating. But you still may want to avoid driving after dusk. Getting home before sunset will ensure that you’re not driving around while neighborhoods are filling up with trick-or-treaters on foot.
Stay alert and park your phone! Driving in the dark already demands your full attention. On Halloween, kids will be crossing the street in places you’re not used to seeing them. They’ll be excited to get from house to house quickly and may be wearing masks that prevent them from seeing cars. It’s important for drivers to be extra cautious and to eliminate all distractions.
Be seen! Parents, if you and your child are participating in trick-or-treating, help make it easier for drivers to see you. Add glow sticks to costumes or candy bags, wear reflective clothing, or turn on the flashlight on your cell phone…anything to help make you stand out in the dark.
Don’t let your costume get in the way! If you are driving while wearing a costume, make sure your costume accessories don’t hinder your ability to safely operate your vehicle. Wings, masks, or even make-up prosthetics can impair your ability to sit correctly in the driver’s seat or to fasten your seat belt, and can limit your range of motion or your visibility. Yet another reason to consider an alternate mode of transportation.
Don’t drink and drive! While the pandemic is cancelling many Halloween events, if you choose to attend a Halloween party or gathering, you need to get home safely…especially if you’ve been drinking. Please call a cab, get a rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft), utilize Safe Ride or Sober Ride (if available in your area), or get a ride home from a sober friend! 2020 has been challenging enough. You don’t need to add a DUI arrest – or worse – to an already trying year.
Given the added risk of the pandemic, this may be a great year to stay in and watch a scary movie, instead.
Have a happy and safe Halloween. And don’t forget to set your clocks back on Saturday night.
