Are you as excited for Halloween as we are?  It’ll be here before we know it and the streets will be filled with witches, goblins, and ghouls!  Drivers have a responsibility to remain extra alert so that these little monsters stay safe.  These tips are great reminders for all drivers to keep in mind this Halloween.

Make Sure Your Lights Work – On Halloween night, visibility is key.  There will be tons of children on the streets in dark costumes which will be hard enough to see even with working headlights.  Before you leave your driveway, test all lights and turn signals to ensure that they are working properly.

Remain Alert – This goes without saying any time you’re on the road, but it important to be extra vigilant on Halloween night when the streets are filled with young children who may not understand all of the rules of the road.

Drive Slowly – On Halloween night children will be running from house to house in dark costumes and masks that limit their visibility.  This makes it harder for drivers to see them and for them to see oncoming cars,  so be sure to drive slower than usual should any trick-or-treaters unexpectedly run out in front of you.  Be especially careful around parked vehicles, not only could children be standing near them waiting to cross, but they may also be letting children out of them.  You should also drive under the posted speed limit, as there will be more pedestrians out than usual and some may be harder to see than others.

Avoid Distractions – With parents, trick-or-treaters, flashlights, and decorations, there are already enough distractions on the road, avoid any additional ones by putting down your phone, turning off the radio, and limiting the amount of passengers in your vehicle.

Yield to Pedestrians – This is a give in, whether they’re at a cross walk or not, pedestrians always have the right of way and on Halloween night there might be some (especially the young ones) that are more excited than usual and may not utilize caution when crossing the street for their next candy stop.  If you see children attempting to cross the street,  don’t assume that they see your vehicle, make sure you come to a complete stop and give them plenty of time to cross the street.

Utilize Turn Signals – It’s important to communicate with other drivers so that they know what you’re doing.  If you’re going to pull over to make a quick candy stop, make sure you put on your turn signal and use the hazard lights when children are exiting the vehicle.

Avoid Wearing A Costume – If you’re driving and are going to a costume party or are getting dressed up for some reason, wait until you arrive at your destination before you put on any masks or wigs.  These can limit visibility should they slip out of place which can cause a serious hazard to yourself and others.

Use A Designated Driver – If you’re going to a party where alcohol will be served, always remember to use a designated driver, drunk driving is never an option and endangers yourself and anyone else on the road near you.

We want everyone to have a safe, and fun Halloween, it only takes a moment for the night to turn into a nightmare, so keep these tips in mind and share them with the other drivers in your life.

Photo By: OakleyOriginals