Keep Halloween from Turning Deadly

As more than 40 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 get ready to trick-or-treat this Halloween, AAA urges Ohioans to take steps to prevent Halloween horrors from ruining the fun.

Motorists

• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Slow down! A pedestrian is nearly twice as likely to be killed if they’re hit by a car going 30 mph compared to if they’re hit at 25 mph, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Just 5 mph can be the difference between life and death.
• Plan ahead. Check Beggars’ Night dates for municipalities you drive through each day.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters. Be aware that they may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross mid-block or between parked cars. Scan the road ahead.

Parents & Trick-or-Treaters

• Parents should accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12.
• Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters will follow.
• Cross streets only at the corner. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
• Select highly visible costumes. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility. Also, carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Avoid facemasks, which obstruct vision. Instead, use nontoxic face paint.
• Ensure costumes fit well. Watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.

Partygoers & Hosts

Nearly half (45 percent) of Halloween crash fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That includes about a quarter (23 percent) of Halloween pedestrian fatalities. When celebrating this Halloween, AAA recommends:

• Make plans to get home safely. Designate a sober driver, call a cab or ride sharing service, or stay overnight.
• Host responsibly. Ohio’s host liability law holds those who serve alcohol liable for injury or death that occurs due to their drunken guests. When hosting a party, offer alternatives to alcohol.
• Pledge to Drive Sober: Motorists and passengers can visit PreventDUI.AAA.com to sign and share an online pledge to drive drug and alcohol free.