AAA Offers Halloween Safety Tips To New Jerseyans

Halloween may be fun for both children and adults, but it can also be dangerous.

Twice as many children are killed by a car while walking on Halloween than any other night of the year, according to Safey Kids USA. AAA Mid-Atlantic is urging all motorists and parents in New Jersey to keep pedestrian safety as a top priority.

“Children are in an eager state, they’ve got costumes on and the prospect of going from one house to another on a quest for candy often leaves safety on the back burner,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Parents should have a safety briefing before they go out with their kids to let them know what’s expected of them while they are walking through the streets.”

“Kids should always stay in the group they are in, cross the street at corners and not in a zig zag pattern,” said Noble. “Looking left, right and left again when crossing can mean the difference between life and death.”

Noble also recommends that children carry glow sticks, have reflective tape on their costumes or even carry a flashlight. “Anything that will bring attention to the children in the dark is a good safety feature to add.”

As for motorists, AAA recommends that they turn on their headlights even during the daylight hours and slow down especially in residential areas. “Most residential areas are 25 miles per hour, 10 to 15 miles per hour would be recommended on Halloween,” said Noble.

Drivers should make sure that they are carefully pulling into and out of driveways as well. “Unfortunately, kids are small and are not necessarily paying attention, so motorists need to remain vigilant,” said Noble. “Pay attention, don’t text or talk on the phone while driving and eliminate any other distractions as well.”