Teenage Drivers Use Extra Caution on Halloween

Kids Out to Trick-or-Treat Don't Always Obey Traffic Safety Rules

Oct 16, 2009 Mary King

Drivers are responsible for pedestrian safety. Inexperienced teens driving through residential neighborhoods on Halloween night are warned to watch for inattentive kids.

Teen drivers are cautioned to watch for children who go trick-or-treating on Halloween. Most kids go from house-to-house collecting candy before dark, but experienced drivers know the early evening time of dusk can be just as difficult on the eyes as complete darkness.

There may be children trick-or-treating after dark too, so drivers still have to be careful. Defensive drivers expect the unexpected at all times, whether it's a child running across the street to get candy or a group of kids hurrying across the road to a Halloween party after dark.

Why Should Teen Drivers be Extra Careful on Halloween?

Motorists can't depend on parents to watch children crossing neighborhood streets. In many cases it's an older brother or sister taking the child out trick-or-treating. One parent or person may be escorting several children or more, making it almost impossible to keep up with each child. Finally, a lot of kids go out alone to trick-or-treat without any supervision.

The excitement of the night has children thinking of candy – not cars. A child who is otherwise cautious about crossing the street could easily become distracted and forget to look for traffic. Not all children observe Halloween safety tips and carry a flashlight. Costumes can cause problems for kids too, especially when the child's vision is restricted. An outfit that's too long can cause a child to trip. Dark costumes without reflective tape are very hard for motorists to see. And unfortunately, there are some older kids that think it's a real thrill to dare a driver to hit them.

Driver Safety Tips for Halloween Night

Defensive drivers obey traffic rules at all times and are courteous to other people, especially pedestrians. Kids on foot and wearing Halloween costumes present an entirely different set of problems for drivers. What should teen drivers watch out for on Halloween?

As night begins to fall at dusk, be aware that kids will be outdoors trick-or-treating, especially in residential neighborhoods.
Watch for kids darting out into the road from between parked cars.
Drive slowly and cover the brake when there are a lot of kids in the area.
Watch for pets that may be running loose, frightened by the noise and costumed kids.
Be very cautious turning into a driveway; watch for kids on the sidewalk.
Take caution backing out of a driveway, especially where hedges or bushes might obstruct a driver's vision.
Know that dark costumes can present a visual problem for drivers; watch for reflective tape. Watch for kids wearing dark costumes with no reflective tape.
Be aware that masks and head gear may restrict a child's field of vision.
Don't expect kids to watch for motor vehicles. Kids (and too many adult pedestrians) trust drivers won't hit them.
Be especially careful at intersections where kids may be crossing the street. Take extra care at blind corners.
Malls stores sometimes give out candy on Halloween. For drivers, that means the parking lot may present a driving hazard with a lot of parents and kids.
Some residents will be throwing Halloween parties after dark, so be aware there may still be kids on foot walking to and from parties.

Halloween is a dangerous time for drivers. Kids and grownups on foot may not always observe traffic safety rules. The excitement of the evening – spooky Halloween music, scary kids' and adults' Halloween costumes, noisy Halloween parties, and even the brisk cool weather – can distract pedestrians.

Teen drivers are reminded that they are always responsible for a pedestrian's safety and for maintaining control over the vehicle. Defensive drivers take extra precautions on Halloween night to keep kids, pets and parents safe.

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