Be Seen On Halloween

 

Earlier this year, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association reported that pedestrian deaths by motor vehicles reached a 40-year high in 2021. GHSA counted 7,485 pedestrians killed — about 20 each day in the U.S. — in 2021. That’s 11.5% higher than the number of pedestrian fatalities the year prior, says Sarah Polus:

An estimated 7,485 people were killed while on foot last year, compared to 6,711 in 2020, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Seven states reported an increase of more than 30 percent in the number of people on foot struck and killed in motor vehicle crashes.

 

Statistically, October 31 is an especially treacherous date for child pedestrians. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Most deaths occur in residential neighborhoods during trick-or-treating. A research letter in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019 identified several reasons why pedestrians face bigger risks on Halloween:

• Trick-or-treating and other festivities occur at dusk when lighting and visibility is low.

• Sidewalks and street crossings might be lacking, and street-crossing safety rules are sometimes neglected.

• Masks can restrict peripheral vision.

• Costumes can reduce visibility.

• Some older partygoers may be impaired by alcohol.

• Drivers exceeding speed limits ups the chances of accidents.

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests ways to reduce the risk to youngsters out and about on Halloween during the hours when accidents are more likely to happen, between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM:

• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

• Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

• Never cut across yards or use alleys.

• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.

• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!

 

More ideas to improve visibility from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.

• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers some tips for drivers:

• Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.

• On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.

• Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, wait for them to pass.

• Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

 

Have fun and be safe out there on Halloween!

 

(Google Images)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2022/10/27/be-seen-on-halloween/