Don't Make Roads Scary on Halloween

A Message from DRIVE SMART Virginia

Thursday in Virginia, thousands of children and adults will be walking around streets and neighborhoods from house to house, celebrating Halloween. It's meant to be a fun filled day when neighbors get together and share treats with their friends. However, it is also a time when pedestrians and motorists ought to be most careful.

As much as Virginia drivers try to obey the rules of the road, sometimes they are distracted. Children dart across the street from house to house in search of candy. Parents, as they tag-a-long, often walk in the street or cross in the middle of the block to keep up with their kids. Many times, children and adults forget flashlights and are not well lit. These can be dangerous situations, especially when combined with distracted drivers on the road.

"We want Halloween to be fun for everyone, but most importantly we want it to be safe," said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. "We recognize that sometimes pedestrians might not obey the rules of the road. We want all drivers to do their part to promote safety on Halloween and beyond, and that starts with distraction free driving."

DRIVE SMART Virginia, the state-wide traffic safety non-profit organization, promotes safe, distraction free driving. They also work to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safer by encouraging all road users to share the road. They have identified some simple tips for drivers and pedestrians that will help protect children and families who are trick or treating.

MOTORISTS

• Eyes forward, phone down
• Avoid speeding, obey the posted speed limit in neighborhoods
• Yield to pedestrians
• Slow down

PEDESTRIANS

• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Carry a light
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks
• Walk against traffic when possible

Often, Halloween is also a time when many adults plan parties. Adults who plan to drink alcohol should take care to designate a driver, take a cab, or make alternate plans. People throwing the party, should help to see that their guests get home safely.

When on the road, motorists should remember to be conscious of trick or treaters and stay alert. Distraction related incidents are responsible for up to 80 percent of crashes. In Virginia in 2012, 229 people died in alcohol related crashes. Speed related crashes were responsible for 313 fatalities.

"Avoiding distracted driving should always be a priority," Brooking said. "We also hope drivers will work to share the road and help to make Virginia a better place to live, work and play."

Written by Rob Richardson, Sr. Public Relations and Outreach Manager for DRIVE SMART Virginia

DRIVE SMART Virginia, founded in 1995, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating drivers and raising traffic safety awareness in order to save lives and reduce injuries on the roadways of Virginia. Find DRIVE SMART Virginia on Facebook or Twitter.