Stay safe this Halloween: Tips from AAA for drivers and trick-or-treaters

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Spooky costumes aren't the only scary things out and about on Halloween night. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has some helpful traffic safety tips for this particularly dangerous time of year for pedestrians and children.

According to the NHTSA, Halloween is consistently one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and deaths. Additionally, an estimated 40% of all Halloween crashes in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.

Halloween is especially dangerous for children, as they are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.

AAA has shared the following traffic safety tips for Halloween this year:

• Drivers
  • Eliminate distractions; focus on the road and trick-or-treaters around you
  • Slow down to allow extra reaction time if a child darts into the street
  • Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys, especially if you are backing up or turning
  • Turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible, even in daylight
  • Obey all of the traffic laws and do not drive while under the influence
• Parents
  • Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility
  • Have trick-or-treaters wear glow sticks or reflective clothing at night
  • Ensure face masks and costume accessories don't obstruct vision
  • Ask an adult or older child to supervise children under the age of 12
  • Instruct children to stick to familiar areas and established routes
  • Review pedestrian and traffic safety rules
• Trick-or-treaters
  • Stick to sidewalks and avoid walking in the streets if possible
  • If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road and face traffic
  • Look both ways and listen for traffic when crossing the street
  • Watch for cars turning or backing up
  • Only cross streets at corners, traffic signals and crosswalks
  • Trick-or-treat in a group if possible
  • Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries (do not shine into the eyes of oncoming drivers)
• Partygoers
  • Arrange a safe ride home ahead of time
  • Use ride share services, public transportation or a sober friend or family member
  • If you are walking home, have a sober friend walk with you
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement
  • Prevent others from driving while impaired by taking their keys if necessary
• Party hosts
  • Prepare to coordinate rideshares or provide accommodations for guests to get home safely
  • Collect keys from guests who are drinking
  • Provide non-alcoholic beverages

“Halloween notoriously brings an increased risk of pedestrian crashes, especially involving children. It is critical for parents to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to drivers,” said Morgan Dean, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic in Virginia. “Drivers must also do their part by slowing down, eliminating distractions, and watching out for children, as well as have a sober designated driver if drinking is part of your Halloween celebration. A safe Halloween starts with smart choices behind the wheel and on the sidewalk.”