As many trick-or-treaters get ready to celebrate Halloween on Tuesday, October 31, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is reminding everyone that the holiday is historically one of the deadliest nights for pedestrians.
Last year, a total of 2,590 crashes occurred on Florida roadways on Halloween, resulting in 137 serious bodily injuries and 21 fatalities, according to FLHSMV.
Most of these crashes occurred at or around 7 p.m., which is when many families with children were out celebrating. FLHSMV stated that these numbers “significantly increased” from the previous year with a 25% increase in crashes with fatalities.
FLHSMV is strongly encouraging parents, caregivers, and motorists to follow these tips to avoid a scare, or worse, this Halloween:
Motorists
- Pay attention and reduce distractions. Remember, distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off driving.
- Slow down, stay alert, and use caution. Halloween costumes may impair a child’s ability to see and hear approaching vehicles, preventing them from quickly moving out of the roadway.
- Watch for children walking in the street, especially in areas with no sidewalks. On Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
- Enter and exit driveways slowly, and always check behind your vehicle before backing up.
- Look for trick-or-treaters who may suddenly dart into traffic between parked cars or shrubbery.
Parents and Trick-or-Treaters
- Be safe and be seen. Carry a flashlight, wear bright clothing, and put reflective tape on costumes and goody bags.
- Use sidewalks or crosswalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic as close to the curb as possible.
- Remind children to never run out into the street or cross between parked vehicles.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear headphones or text while walking.
- Children should not trick-or-treat unsupervised. Walk with your trick-or-treaters and hold the hands of young children. Review pedestrian safety with teens if they will be trick-or-treating without supervision.
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Halloween Safety webpage.