TAMPA, FL - Parents often hear the need to check their child's candy on Halloween, or making sure the eye holes in their mask are wide enough to see.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), Halloween consistently ranks as one of the top three days for pedestrian accidents and fatalities.
On top of that, nearly half of those accidents involve a drunk driver, according to 2012 data.
AAA Auto Club offers a series of tips to drivers that should make the roadways safer for everybody on the spooky evening.
-Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. AAA says if you can help it, avoid driving through neighborhoods or residential streets, since trick-or-treaters are likely to be out and about, especially if you're coming home from work. If you're offering directions to a Halloween party, try to steer guests away from these streets as well.
-Watch for children in the street. Children are more likely to jump into the street quickly or randomly, and they could be wearing dark costumes, making them much more difficult to see.
-Slow down. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says the odds of a pedestrian being killed by a driver doubles when the car is going 35 mph instead of 25 mph. Even a difference of just 10 mph could mean life or death.
-Drive sober. It's a good idea to have a designated driver if you're attending a party where alcohol will be served. Drunk drivers make up about a third of all motor vehicle deaths.
AAA also provides these helpful tips for trick-or-treaters.
-Trick-or-treat in groups. AAA recommends that parents accompany all kids under the age of 12, and nobody should trick-or-treat alone.
-Make a plan. Remind your kids of general safety guidelines ahead of time, especially with regards to crossing the street or where to walk.
-Check costumes. Choose costumes that don't obstruct your child's vision. Add some reflective material to the costume, especially if it's darkly colored.
-Buckle up. If you're driving your kids to another neighborhood or a party, always make sure they have their seat belts fastened.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), Halloween consistently ranks as one of the top three days for pedestrian accidents and fatalities.
On top of that, nearly half of those accidents involve a drunk driver, according to 2012 data.
AAA Auto Club offers a series of tips to drivers that should make the roadways safer for everybody on the spooky evening.
-Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. AAA says if you can help it, avoid driving through neighborhoods or residential streets, since trick-or-treaters are likely to be out and about, especially if you're coming home from work. If you're offering directions to a Halloween party, try to steer guests away from these streets as well.
-Watch for children in the street. Children are more likely to jump into the street quickly or randomly, and they could be wearing dark costumes, making them much more difficult to see.
-Slow down. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says the odds of a pedestrian being killed by a driver doubles when the car is going 35 mph instead of 25 mph. Even a difference of just 10 mph could mean life or death.
-Drive sober. It's a good idea to have a designated driver if you're attending a party where alcohol will be served. Drunk drivers make up about a third of all motor vehicle deaths.
AAA also provides these helpful tips for trick-or-treaters.
-Trick-or-treat in groups. AAA recommends that parents accompany all kids under the age of 12, and nobody should trick-or-treat alone.
-Make a plan. Remind your kids of general safety guidelines ahead of time, especially with regards to crossing the street or where to walk.
-Check costumes. Choose costumes that don't obstruct your child's vision. Add some reflective material to the costume, especially if it's darkly colored.
-Buckle up. If you're driving your kids to another neighborhood or a party, always make sure they have their seat belts fastened.
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