AAA Offers Halloween Safety Tips For Drivers, Pedestrians And Partygoers

AAA Western and Central New York is urging drivers, pedestrians and partygoers to plan ahead and use extra caution for Halloween on Oct. 31.

In an Oct. 26 news release, AAA cited National Retail Federation estimates that 74% of consumers plan to celebrate Halloween this year and 61% plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

With millions of children and families expected to participate, AAA said roads and sidewalks will be busy. The organization warned that vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity, impaired-driving concerns and vandalism increase around Halloween.

“Halloween should be remembered for costumes and candy, not crashes or close calls,” said Elizabeth Carey of AAA Western and Central New York. “A little extra caution behind the wheel, on foot or while celebrating can make a big difference. We encourage everyone to slow down, stay visible, and make responsible choices so the holiday remains fun and safe for all.”

Pedestrian safety

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. AAA said the majority of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occur after 6 p.m. and outside marked crosswalks.

Plan a sober ride

AAA cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures for Halloween nights from 2019 through 2024, defined as 6 p.m. Oct. 31 through 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1:

• 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 or higher.
• 176 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
• More than half, or 54%, of people ages 21-34 killed in traffic crashes on Halloween night were involved in drunk-driving crashes.
• Victims in drunk-driving crashes included 31 pedestrians and 144 drivers and passengers.

AAA advises partygoers to choose a designated driver, use a rideshare service, arrange a sober ride home or use public transportation before celebrating. The organization emphasized the message, “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

Reduce the risk of vandalism

AAA said vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween as on an average day. The organization recommends:

• Parking in a garage or well-lit area.
• Locking vehicle doors and rolling up windows.
• Keeping homes well-lit to deter vandals and provide safe passage for trick-or-treaters and guests.

Watch for children and other pedestrians

AAA offers these reminders for drivers:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods.
• Turn headlights on earlier in the evening.
• Watch for children crossing between parked vehicles.
• Be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Use the horn if necessary to alert distracted pedestrians.

Make costumes visible

To help trick-or-treaters remain visible and avoid falls, AAA recommends:

• Adding reflective tape to costumes, bags and buckets.
• Carrying a flashlight or glow stick.
• Avoiding masks that obstruct vision.
• Wearing costumes that fit properly.

Light and clear walking areas

AAA says homeowners can improve safety by:

• Keeping porches, walkways and driveways well-lit.
• Removing tripping hazards from sidewalks and stairs.
• Clearing leaves, decorations and other debris from walking paths.

Help party guests get home safely

AAA recommends that hosts:

• Serve food and nonalcoholic beverages, and stop alcohol service at least one hour before the event ends.
• Encourage guests to arrange transportation before they arrive.
• Never let an impaired guest get behind the wheel.

Tips for parents and children

• Look left, right and left again. Stop before entering a roadway and check for traffic in both directions.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume a driver has seen you.
• Make eye contact with bus drivers. Wait for acknowledgment before crossing near a school bus.
• Use your eyes and ears. Avoid headphones and handheld devices while crossing a street.
• Stay on sidewalks. Use marked crosswalks whenever possible.
• Never run into the street. Stop and look for traffic before retrieving a ball, toy or other object.

Tips for all pedestrians

• Be visible. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas.
• Use sidewalks and pathways. If none are available, walk facing traffic.
• Watch for multiple lanes of traffic. One driver may stop while another continues through.
• Plan your route. Choose the safest crossings and avoid busy roadways when possible.
• Always look both ways, even when crossing at a crosswalk.
• Wait for a fresh walk signal to give yourself the maximum time to cross.
• Stay alert. Do not assume drivers will always follow traffic laws.

Tips for drivers

• Be alert. Watch for pedestrians, especially children, who may be difficult to see.
• Follow posted speed limits. Slow down in neighborhoods and school zones.
• Avoid distractions. Put down your phone and stay focused on the road.
• Use headlights and signals properly, especially in poor lighting or bad weather.
• Use extra caution in driveways. Look carefully before pulling in or backing out.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.