Don’t Let Halloween Bashes Turn Into Halloween Crashes

Halloween and Mischief Night take place over the weekend this year and AAA Mid-Atlantic warns there will be more than cute kids in scary costumes asking for candy. The roads will be occupied with trick-or-treaters and partygoers, which can be a dangerous combination.
AAA urges revelers young and old to plan for Halloween Night safety because fatal crashes on Halloween rise in New Jersey and across the country when the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
In fact, motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween jump an average of 30 percent when October 31 is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, compared to other days of the week, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Halloween parties will be in full swing Saturday night and party goers and hosts need to be vigilant and make sure Halloween bashes do not turn into Halloween crashes,” AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Tracy Noble said. “Safety needs to be the priority, for everyone.”
AAA Safety Tips for Halloween Night
For Partygoers & Hosts
· Make plans to get home safely. Drinking alcohol? Use a designated driver. Call a cab. Do not drive. Consider staying over night if partying at a friend’s house. Book a hotel room. Do not drive.
· Have safe transportation options ready. Hosting a party with alcohol? Be a good host: Put a phone list together of local cab companies and organizations offering designated driver services.
· Take care of designated drivers and offer alternatives to alcohol. Serve non-alcoholic drinks. Serve plenty of food so partygoers do not drink on empty stomachs.
For Trick-or-Treaters & Parents
· Select highly visible costumes. Wear light, bright and reflective costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape to costumes, treat buckets and bags.
· Ensure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that wigs or other accessories do not obstruct the child’s view.
· Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules in the review such as stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks, avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars and stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out.
· Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks. Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger trick-or-treaters.
· Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help trick-or-treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at someone’s eyes including those of passing motorists.