AAA Alabama releases Halloween safety tips for parents, children and drivers

(Photo by AP)

This Halloween, whether you’re on the road, trick-or-treating or hosting a party, AAA Alabama says there are simple steps to avoid common holiday hazards, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday.

With Halloween falling at the start of the weekend with increased traffic, drivers will need to take extra precautions as they commute home from work and head out for celebrations. AAA Alabama says the risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities is significantly higher this year.

Nationally, pedestrian-involved crashes remain a serious concern:

• In 2023, 17% of children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
• Alcohol use was a factor in 46% of all fatal pedestrian crashes, involving either the driver or pedestrian with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 or higher.
• More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight or twilight hours.
• One in four pedestrians killed in traffic crashes (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
• Most pedestrian fatalities (89%) occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 74% took place away from intersections.

Halloween night itself is especially dangerous. Between 2019 and 2023, during the hours of 6 p.m. on October 31 to 5:59 a.m. on November 1, NHTSA reports:

• 198 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes (BAC of .01 or higher).
• 176 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes (BAC of .08 or higher).
• Those crashes claimed the lives of 30 pedestrians and 145 drivers and passengers.
• Drivers aged 21–34 accounted for 54% of drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. Stick to main roads and avoid cutting through residential streets where children may be trick-or-treating.
• Watch for children. Kids may walk along streets or curbs in dark costumes—stay alert for those crossing mid-block or between parked cars.
• Slow down. Driving just 10 mph slower can save lives. A pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed at 35 mph than at 25 mph.
• Drive sober. About one-third of motor vehicle deaths involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink.

Tips for Parents & Pedestrians:

• Trick-or-treat together. Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Review safety rules. Remind kids to stay on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and stop at driveways.
• Choose visible costumes. Select bright, reflective outfits and add reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Check costumes. Avoid anything that obstructs vision or causes tripping. Opt for face paint instead of masks when possible.
• Carry a flashlight. Bring one for visibility, but don’t shine it toward drivers.
• Buckle up. Ensure seat belts and child restraints are properly used when driving trick-or-treaters between stops.

Halloween Party Safety:

• Plan ahead. If drinking, line up a designated driver or use a ride-share service.
• Consider staying overnight. When attending a party, ask to stay over or book a nearby hotel.
• Provide safe transportation options. Party hosts should offer taxi or ride-share numbers and make sure guests get home safely.
• Offer alternatives to alcohol. Serve non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and provide plenty of food.

Homeowner Safety:

• Avoid open flames. Use LED candles or string lights to reduce fire risk.
• Keep walkways clear. Remove obstacles like garden tools, hoses, or decorations that could cause trips or falls.
• Secure your home. Lock doors and windows, keep outdoor areas well-lit, and turn on security systems if you’re away.

“Halloween should be a night of fun, not tragedy,” said Clay Ingram, spokesperson for AAA Alabama. “We’re asking everyone — whether you’re behind the wheel or walking with children — to make safety the top priority. Slow down, stay alert, and never drive impaired. If you’re heading to a Halloween party this weekend, please plan ahead for a sober ride home.”

— AAA Alabama