INDIANA — As families prepare for Halloween festivities, drivers and pedestrians are being reminded to take extra precautions to prevent crashes and keep the holiday from turning tragic.
The In One Instant campaign highlights the increased risks associated with Halloween weekend, particularly for teen drivers and pedestrians. With children walking through neighborhoods after dark and more people attending Halloween gatherings, staying alert and making responsible decisions can help prevent serious accidents.
According to the campaign’s safety infographic, October is the deadliest month for teen drivers. It also highlights several statistics and risks associated with driving during the holiday period:
- Teen drivers have a crash rate three times higher at night than adults.
- Each additional passenger increases a teen driver’s crash risk.
- The infographic reports that 39% of Halloween crashes involve alcohol.
- The campaign identifies Friday through Sunday as the Halloween weekend risk period.
- The hours between 6 and 7 p.m. are highlighted as a particularly dangerous time.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Motorists can help protect trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians by slowing down and remaining alert, especially in residential neighborhoods.
The In One Instant campaign recommends the following precautions:
- Drive 5 to 10 mph slower in neighborhoods.
- Scan sidewalks and driveways frequently.
- Turn headlights on early to improve visibility.
- Assume children may dart into the street.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians before proceeding when possible.
- Limit passengers on Halloween night.
- Never drive after consuming alcohol.
Drivers should also avoid distractions and be prepared to stop when children are crossing streets or moving between homes.
Tips for Pedestrians and Trick-or-Treaters
Children, teens, and adults walking during Halloween festivities should take steps to make themselves visible and remain aware of traffic.
Recommended precautions include:
- Carry a flashlight to improve visibility after dark.
- Never assume drivers can see you at night.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Stay alert near roads, intersections, and driveways.
- Older siblings accompanying younger children should help guide them safely.
Parents can also remind children to cross carefully, watch for vehicles, and avoid running into the street between parked cars.
Make a Plan Before Halloween Parties
Halloween gatherings can create additional risks when people drive after drinking or ride with someone who is impaired.
The campaign encourages partygoers to:
- Plan a safe ride home before leaving.
- Use a rideshare service or call a parent for transportation.
- Speak up if a friend is making an unsafe decision.
- Never allow an impaired friend to drive.
- Avoid riding with anyone who has been drinking.
Planning transportation in advance can help prevent dangerous decisions at the end of the night.
Help Make Halloween Safer
The In One Instant campaign encourages teens to commit to safe driving and remember that their decisions affect their friends, families, and communities.
By slowing down, staying visible, watching for pedestrians, and planning ahead, everyone can help reduce preventable crashes and make Halloween safer for the entire community.
For additional information, visit In One Instant.
