Halloween Safety Tips for Pedestrians, Motorists, & Rideshare Users

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte personal injury attorneys know Halloween is a fun and exciting time of year for all ages. But it is also essential to prioritize safety, especially for pedestrians and motorists throughout North Carolina.

Here, we discuss some best practices for keeping you, your kids, and the rest of your community safe while enjoying Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Trick-or-Treaters in North Carolina

One study found that the risk of being killed by a motor vehicle for child pedestrians aged 4 to 8 years is ten times higher on Halloween than on other days.

Statistics show a 43% higher rate of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween over the last four decades.

To help avoid these significant dangers and pedestrian accidents, children and adults should:

• Be Visible

Wear bright, reflective costumes or add reflective tape to dark-colored outfits. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to increase visibility.

• Stay on Sidewalks

Stick to sidewalks whenever possible and walk facing oncoming traffic if there are no sidewalks.

• Cross at Crosswalks

Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals when crossing streets. Make eye contact with drivers, if possible, before stepping onto the road.

• Travel in Groups

Travel with friends or family members when trick-or-treating, especially for children. There is safety in numbers.

• Watch for Vehicles

Be cautious when crossing driveways and alleys. Drivers might not see you, especially in the dark.

• Avoid Distractions

Put away your phone and other electronic devices when walking. Focus on your surroundings.

• Plan a Route

Plan your trick-or-treating route and let someone know where you’ll be. Set a curfew for older children and establish check-in times throughout the evening.

Once trick-or-treaters return, check children’s treats for any signs of tampering or unusual packaging before consuming them.

Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists and Rideshare Users in North Carolina

It isn’t just pedestrians who face more significant risks on Halloween. The number of fatal traffic crashes, in general, is also higher.

To help avoid these traffic accidents, drivers should:

• Be Cautious

Be cautious while exiting driveways, alleys, and parking lots. Be sure to be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters in crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again.

• Drive Slowly

Reduce your speed in residential areas, especially where children are likely to be trick-or-treating.

• Use Caution at Intersections

Be especially vigilant at intersections, as children may not always follow traffic rules.

• Expect the Unexpected

Children may dart out from between parked cars or other obstructions. Be prepared to stop.

• Avoid Distractions

Put away your phone and stay focused on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous.

• Turn on Headlights

Keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours, to make your vehicle more visible.

• Communicate with Pedestrians

If you see pedestrians crossing the street, try to make eye contact and signal to let them know it’s safe to cross.

• Don’t Drink and Drive

If you’re attending Halloween parties and plan to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service to get home safely. Never drink and drive.

• Rideshare Safely

If you schedule a rideshare driver, be sure to wait in a safe location, away from traffic, in a well-lit area where the driver can easily find and access you. Respect the driver’s space and attention to avoid distractions and get to your destination safely.

If you are in a rideshare accident as a passenger:

• Call 911 to ensure they arrive at the scene and complete an official collision report.
• Take pictures of the vehicle’s license plate and the property damage.
• Take screenshots of your trip’s progress in the app, including when the ride was ordered, how it was paid, and where you were, including the map and the driver’s name, to ensure these images are preserved.
• Go directly to the emergency room if you or any passengers are injured.

By following these safety tips, pedestrians and motorists can ensure everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Remember that safety is a shared responsibility, and being cautious and considerate can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring a happy Halloween for all.

Have You Been Injured in an Accident in North Carolina?

If you were injured in a vehicle collision, pedestrian accident, or another incident caused by negligence in North Carolina, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt want to hear your story during a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.