Drive Safely to Protect Kids tonight

Halloween is tonight. With our littlest neighbors dressed up and on the streets to trick or treat we all should be working together to keep them safe. In 2013, one-fifth (21%) of the children who died in traffic were pedestrians. 
If your little one is headed out this Halloween, remember these helpful tips:

• Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
• Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.

But even if you don’t have a child heading out this Halloween, you have little neighbors out there — and it’s up to all of us to look out for them. We’re already adjusting to evening commutes with less sunlight, so it’s important to:

• Use caution while behind the wheel.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Of course, you don’t have to be a kid to love Halloween. But if you’re an adult reveler who might celebrate with alcohol then make a plan to stay safe and keep an eye out for the safety of others.

If you can plan your costume then you can certainly make a plan for a sober ride home. Before you go out:

• Designate a sober driver and plan a way to get home safely.
• Use a taxi or car service, or use public transit.

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. And if a friend has been drinking then put the brakes on if they attempt to drive. Take the keys and put them in a sober ride home. They’ll thank you later.

Halloween is a special time for kids and families. Let’s make sure it’s filled with happy memories by protecting our kids and driving safely. Share these tips with your community. 

There are some great graphics you can download from trafficsafetymarketing.gov to drive your message home. The only fright we need on Halloween night should come from little ones dressed up as ghouls and goblins and not from motor vehicle crashes. Let’s all work together to keep everyone safe.