Whether or not you have children, you are probably looking forward to the end of October. After all, donning a costume and attending a party may be the highlight of your autumn season. Still, if you plan to walk on October 31, you must realize that Halloween can be a dangerous time for pedestrians.
According to a recent study, approximately 43% more pedestrians die in traffic accidents on Halloween than on other nights in September, October or November. The reasons for the sudden spike in pedestrian fatalities are not necessarily hard to understand. Put simply, there tend to be more pedestrians on Halloween than on other evenings in the fall. There are also likely more intoxicated and distracted drivers.
Planning is important
When anticipating your spooky festivities, you may want to create a safety plan. Walking in well-lit areas with less traffic probably makes sense. Also, if you have kids, be sure you have enough adult supervision to monitor them effectively. Thinking about your walking route before Halloween arrives allows you to miss many of the hazards that put pedestrians in danger.
Clothing matters
As you know, Halloween costumes come in a seemingly endless variety of shapes, sizes and styles. If your festivities include walking, though, you should think about both mobility and visibility. You do not want your costume to cause you to fall in a busy street. You also do not want to wear something that is so dark that oncoming motorists may not see you.
Actions count
Finally, you can likely increase your chances of staying safe on Halloween by acting responsibly. While you cannot control the actions of motorists you may encounter, you can take certain steps to protect yourself. For example, you may want to limit alcohol consumption. You also may want to consider using a rideshare service, taxicab or friend to help you avoid walking great distances.
Given the number of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween, you cannot take your personal safety for granted. You can, however, improve your odds of having an enjoyable experience by exercising a bit of caution this spooky season.
