It’s that time of year again, when ghosts and witches haunt the streets in search of treats! For kids who go trick-or-treating, Halloween can be one of their favorite childhood memories. As drivers, it’s our responsibility to make sure little ones are safe year-round, but especially on days like Halloween, when there will be more kids out and about.
Let’s take a look at some safe driving tips for Halloween!
1. Slow down.
If you’re driving during a trick-or-treating event, be sure to slow down and drive under the posted speed limit in residential areas. Many neighborhoods host trick-or-treating on the days leading up to Halloween, so keep an eye out for little ones in the street this time of year. Little kids don’t always understand the danger of running out into the street. Parents do their best to keep their children safe, and drivers can make their job easier by making sure they don’t pose a threat to kids on the street.
Keep in mind that Halloween parties can often involve drinking, and there is an increase in intoxicated driving around the holidays. If you think you see an intoxicated driver on the road around you, slow down and keep extra space between your vehicles. Report the drinking driver to your local authorities when necessary.
2. Be patient.
Getting around may take a bit longer than usual when kids are out trick-or-treating. Give children and parents plenty of time to cross the street, and don’t assume you can just pass stopped vehicles. Some families drive their children from house to house, rather than walking. Keep your eyes and ears open, and give trick-or-treaters time to get to their destination.
3. Utilize your lights.
Most trick-or-treating is finished by the time it’s dark out. Even so, you should keep your headlights on to help pedestrians see your vehicle. It’s crucial to use your turn signals always, but especially when there are more pedestrians out and about than usual.
As the guardian of a trick-or-treater, avoid stopping in the middle of the roadway to let your children out of the car. Pull over in a safe space, and turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you’re there.
4. Avoid distractions.
Taking your attention off the road for even just a few seconds to skim an email or respond to a text puts you and everyone around you in danger. Don’t use your cell phone or other communications device while you’re behind the wheel. Do not drive along the roadway to keep up with your walking child, as you will be splitting your attention between the road and the kiddos, which means you’re not giving either one your full attention.
5. Drive defensively.
Defensive driving means always being alert. The IPDE method, which stands for Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute, is especially helpful when there are potential hazards on the road, such as trick-or-treaters.
Here’s how that works in practice. When you’re pulling into your neighborhood and spot a group of trick-or-treaters, identify the trick-or-treaters as a potential hazard. Next, predict that one may run into the street at any moment. Decide to slow down and use extreme caution. Complete the process by executing your decision. Remove your foot from the accelerator and cover the brake until you’re away from the trick-or-treaters.
We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween! Interested in traffic safety? Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!
It’s that time of year again, when ghosts and witches haunt the streets in search of treats! For kids who go trick-or-treating, Halloween can be one of their favorite childhood memories. As drivers, it’s our responsibility to make sure little ones are safe year-round, but especially on days like Halloween, when there will be more kids out and about.
Let’s take a look at some safe driving tips for Halloween!