"Keep Alert for Pedestrians"
Indiana, PA (October 24) – Halloween is a favorite holiday of children and they're thinking about costumes, candy and fun with their friends. Safety is the last thing on their minds so parents and motorists need to be responsible, alert, and designate a driver if they plan to attend a festivity.
Halloween is not only popular with children; more adults are enjoying the holiday as well. Halloween parties are becoming increasingly popular as the statistics indicate. According to recent data compiled and analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region III, the number of DUI (driving under the influence) related deaths in the mid-Atlantic states on Halloween continues to overshadow the winter holiday season. Furthermore, new NHTSA statistics on impaired driving reveal that Halloween is nearly twice as fatal as New Year's Eve for area motorists.
PennDOT urges residents to be aware of Halloween safety hazards that may pose a potential risk. Take the time to plan out all your Halloween travels and outside events with a safety first attitude by following these simple safety tips:
Costume Safety Tips:
- Avoid masks or hoods that obscure vision.
- Avoid shoes that make walking difficult.
- Make sure costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.
- Add reflective tape to back, chest, arms and legs.
Pedestrian Safety Tips: (Parents)
- Accompany your children and supervise trick-or-treat activities.
- Review all traffic rules with your children before starting out.
- Remind children to "Stop! Look left, right, then left again and listen" before crossing the street.
Pedestrian Safety: (Treat-or-Treaters)
- Obey all traffic rules.
- Walk and never run from house to house.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at intersections or in crosswalks.
- Walk on the sidewalks whenever possible, or walk to the left side of the street facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
- Carry a flashlight.
Motorists Beware:
- Slow down! Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways carefully.
- Be on the lookout for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind shrubs and bushes.
Party Attendees:
- If you plan on consuming alcohol, get a designated a driver.
- Remember what's at stake if you're caught-DUI.
- Remember: Law enforcement is on high alert during these times.
Drive safe, buckle up
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