ALEA Halloween safety tips for children, parents, drivers and partygoers

(Photo by AP)

While Halloween is a fun-filled holiday, children are more likely to be hurt on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says all Alabamians should be aware that around Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on  the roads and in unexpected places. 

“Halloween is meant to be a night of fun for everyone, but it’s important to remember that safety  comes first,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We all have a duty to act responsibly to not only  keep yourself safe, but also others around you. If you are driving, please slow down and remain extra vigilant this Thursday for pedestrians and children who may dart out in the road. Parents,  please keep a close eye on your children when out trick-or-treating. Stay in familiar areas, and  visit homes where you know the individuals.”  

Each October, ALEA reminds parents and guardians to consider checking the Agency’s online  sex offender registry to use as a tool for awareness and to protect your child. To see where sex  offenders live in your area, CLICK HERE. 

In addition to emphasizing pedestrian safety, ALEA strongly encourages everyone to commit to  sober driving. Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic  crashes in the United States, including on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1).  From 2018 to 2022, there were 386 traffic fatalities on Halloween night. Fifty-two percent of  those vehicle occupants were drunk. Victims in those drunk-driving crashes included 31  pedestrians and 138 drivers and passengers. 

ALEA offers the following 13 tips for avoiding a scare this Halloween: 

Safety Tips for Drivers:  

#1: Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
#2: Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
#3: Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
#4: If you see an impaired driver, contact law enforcement. 

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:  

#5: Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and  prevent walking alone.
#6: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
#7: If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions,  including those turning left or right. 

Unfortunately, Halloween also involves potentially deadly crashes, and impaired drivers on the  road. In 2022, nearly half of all crash fatalities during Halloween night were alcohol-related. 

Safety Tips for Party Attendees:  

#8: Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ride-sharing, ride-hailing  or taxi service.
#9: If you drink, do not drive — for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect  driving ability. 

Safety Tips for Hosts:  

#10: Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
#11: Prepare to call taxis or ride shares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if  you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
#12: Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
#13: Provide non-alcoholic beverage options. 

— Information from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency