PRESS RELEASE – The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found Oct. 31 (between 4 p.m. and midnight) is the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. Last year in Ohio, 44 pedestrians were struck during Halloween week, including eight on Halloween, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year, celebrations and Beggars’ Nights will be spread out over several days, creating an extended period of time when motorists and pedestrians must remain alert.
“The combination of drinking and increased pedestrian traffic around Halloween can have deadly consequences,” said Kellie O’Riordan, traffic safety program manager and lead driving instructor* for AAA Ohio Auto Club. “It’s important for trick-or-treaters, drivers and partygoers to look out for each other this Halloween week.”
Motorists & Partygoers:
- Plan ahead. Check Beggars’ Night dates for municipalities you drive through each day.
- Check your headlights. Make sure your headlights are clean and in working order. This will help you see and be seen by pedestrians and other drivers.
- Slow down and pay attention. Follow the speed limits and scan the road frequently to allow for more reaction time if a child darts out in front of your car.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals. Be predictable to pedestrians by stopping at all stop signs and red lights.
- Drive sober. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about a third of all motor vehicle deaths nationally. Drugs add to the impaired driving problem on Ohio’s roads. Last year in Ohio 269 drug or alcohol impaired driving crashes occurred during Halloween week, including 47 on Halloween, according to ODOT. Designate a sober driver or call a cab or ride sharing service.
- Host responsibly: Ohio’s host liability law holds those who serve alcohol liable for injury or death that occurs from their guests drinking and driving. When hosting a party, be sure to offer alternatives to alcohol. For ideas, party hosts can visit com/Mocktails.
Trick-or-Treaters:
- See and be seen. Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and opt for non-toxic face paint or incorporate a cloth face mask into the costume. Carry a flashlight and add reflective tape to costumes or bags.
- Ensure costumes fit well. Check and adjust the length of costumes to prevent tripping.
- Follow road rules. Cross streets only at the corner. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Stay together. An adult should accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups. Plan and discuss the route these trick-or-treaters will follow.
AAA provides more than 62 million members with travel-, financial-, insurance-, and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Schwind | Senior Manager, Public Affairs | AAA Ohio Auto Club
P: 614.431.7896 | P: 888.222.6446 x. 7896