Halloween Safety Tips For Trick-Or-Treaters, Drivers In MOCO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — With Halloween arriving Thursday and daylight saving time ending on Nov. 3, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use extra caution when on the road at night and to consider staying off the roads during trick or treating hours.

"With Halloween falling on a Thursday this year, many people in our county will be celebrating … with parties, parades and trick-or-treating," said County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. "I know Halloween brings great excitement for children, as well as increased pedestrian traffic on the roads. I urge motorists to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. For adults choosing to celebrate with alcohol or marijuana, plan ahead and don’t drive while impaired."

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation offered these safety tips for drivers:

• Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
• Slow down and scan the road. Slower speeds save lives.
• Watch for young trick-or-treaters. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
• If you see a drunk driver, dial 911 to report it.

AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds trick-or-treaters, parents, and party-goers of the dangerous traffic safety concerns tied to the holiday. Increased pedestrian activity and the potential for impaired driving converge this week as Halloween activities begin on the holiday itself (Thursday, October 31) and carry on into the weekend as Halloween parties continue.

AAA Warns Of Halloween Dangers

• According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
• Deadly after dark – the nighttime fatality rate on U.S. roadways is three times higher than the daytime rate, and 76% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
• More than 40% of Halloween crash fatalities involve drunk drivers.

“With an increased risk of pedestrian crashes on Halloween night, AAA urges parents to take the time to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists,” said Ragina C. Ali, public and government affairs manager for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “In addition, drivers must eliminate distractions, slow down and watch for children, as well as have a completely sober designated driver if drinking as part of a Halloween celebration.”

Clocks Fall Back

Setting the clocks back an hour on Sunday, Nov. 3, for the return to standard time means earlier sunsets make it more dangerous for pedestrians. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin said, "The incidence of serious and fatal collisions in our county often spikes at this time of year."

Additionally, the National Safety Council tells us that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers should be looking for pedestrians and avoid impaired driving and distractions. While some trips are needed, think about leaving before dark or delaying your trip until later in the evening when trick-or-treating is over. I also encourage families to be vigilant by using crosswalks and sidewalks, where available, and to use glowsticks, flashlights and reflective materials on costumes," Conklin said.