One of the scariest things about Halloween is the increased risk of traffic injuries and fatalities.
Statistics reveal that 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths on Halloween involve drunk driving and fatal injuries rise nearly 50 percent when Halloween falls on a weekend, as it does this year.
AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Jim Lardear also notes that Halloween is consistently one of the top 3 days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
“And we also know that children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year so there’s a lot of concern out there for just paying attention and keeping the kids safe,” said Lardear.
Lardear says one of the most important things a driver can do this Halloween is to simply slow down.
“You know because children are excited, it's a bit night for them they may not have the same visibility with costumes that they are wearing," said Lardear. "Children in general are unpredictable so they can dart out in between traffic, they can run across the street to catch up with some friends. Expect that kids are going to be out there on the roads and expect that they may cross your path.”
AAA recommends trick or treating while it is still light outside and to dress children in costumes that are easy to walk in.
Lardear adds that if you will be drinking to celebrate Halloween, make a plan to get home without driving and appoint a designated driver.