Halloween is the single deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians, according to AAA.
AAA cites data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which found children on Halloween are three times more likely to die from being hit by a vehicle.
“It’s a very deadly day for adult pedestrians, as well because this is the time that every American — whether you live in an urban community, a suburban community or even rural — get out and walk along the roadways,” said Skyler McKinley, Regional Director of Public Affairs for AAA.
AAA found that Halloween is the third-deadliest day of the year for all pedestrians, a nearly half of fatal crashes Halloween night involve a drunk driver, and a third of Halloween crash fatalities involve a pedestrian.
McKinley says there are easy ways parents and drivers can help guarantee a safe Halloween:
- Wear reflective clothing if your costume is dark-colored.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks.
- Trick-or-treaters stay on the sidewalk when possible or walk near the edge of the road, against traffic.
- Drivers should slow down on Halloween and watch for kids.
- Turn on headlights early to make sure your vehicle is visible.
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