The California Highway Patrol provides these tips for both drivers and pedestrians to help you stay safe this Halloween weekend. As always, be alert and aware while driving and walking, and protect yourself and others!
Safety Tips for Motorists
- Driving is a complex task, requiring a motorist’s full attention. Drive cautiously, anything that diverts your eyes or attention from the roadway; even for 1-2 seconds, could result in tragedy.
- The bottom line, whatever the distraction, “It’s Not Worth It!” Be aware and vigilant of pedestrians and reduce your speed while traveling through neighborhoods.
- The law is explicit: Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more is illegal, but even with a lower BAC a driver may be a hazard and taken to jail.
- A DUI crash or arrest can be averted in a number of ways:
-Not drinking, if you are the driver
-Riding with someone who has not been drinking
-Using public transportation
-Calling a taxi or a friend
-Staying where you are for the night
- A popular option among couples and groups in recent years has been selecting a designated driver—a person who abstains from drinking so he or she will be a sober driver.
- Always be cautious of your surroundings. Be on the lookout for children crossing and running across the street.
- Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
- Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians before backing up.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Use crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing at street lights but still pay close attention to vehicles on the road.
- Be careful at intersections where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
- Before stepping in front of a car make eye contact with the driver. Make sure they see you, that they plan on stopping and they have time to stop.
- Increase your visibility by carrying a flashlight and wearing some sort of reflective clothing.
- It is safest to walk on a sidewalk.
- Pay attention. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch for vehicles when crossing a street or stepping off a curb.
- Don’t go into a house to get candy or eat unwrapped candy and food.
- Be careful crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly three out of four pedestrian deaths occur:
-In urban environments
-At non-intersections
-During the nighttime, and many involve alcohol
The California Highway Patrol encourages everyone to have a joyful, safe and memorable Halloween weekend, but please be careful and make it home safely to your loved ones. We hope these tips help you stay safe. Happy Halloween!