By Gage Peterson OMAHA, Neb. – Halloween is one of the most fun nights of the year. Kids across the world dress up and hit the neighborhoods for some fun and fright. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous nights of the year.
According to AAA traffic safety spokesman Brian Ortner, children ages 5 to 14 are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a pedestrian crash on Halloween than on any other night of the year. He also highlights the dangers of distracted parents on cellphones.
With excitement higher than most nights, police and traffic officials are urging both drivers and trick-or-treaters to stay alert once the sun goes down.
Ortner says the combination of distracted driving, impaired motorists and eager children out after dark creates a risky mix.
“Pedestrian fatalities on Halloween often involve an impaired driver, and there are some factors behind that, including the risk of pedestrian injuries,” Ortner said. “There are more pedestrians in neighborhoods. Trick-or-treaters are crossing streets. Motorists are traveling to and from holiday events.”
He also suggests staying off your phone while trick-or-treating.
“If you’re wanting to post on social media, post your pictures and updates before or after you go trick-or-treating,” Ortner said. “Avoid checking your phone while you’re walking to make sure that your kids are staying on track, crossing the streets where they’re supposed to walk.”
Omaha Police Officer Brandon Fender says parents and children should prepare before heading out.
“If you can, try to ensure that your kids have some kind of high-visibility vest, and that you trick-or-treat in a known area where the kids know the cross streets in the neighborhood,” Fender said.
He also discussed the importance of embracing newer technology.
“Stay in a group and stay within earshot of each other,” Fender said, “and don’t be afraid to embrace technology nowadays with Apple AirTags or smartwatches. Set up rally points just in case someone does get separated.”
Fender, also a father, says showing children real-world dangers can help them understand what might happen in the blink of an eye.
“My own kids, they learn very well from showing them how to or showing them what I’m talking about,” Fender said, “by actually taking a little bit of time to park your car on the street next to another one and having them walk forward and see that there are blind spots here. There are dangers here. If you come out quickly, you may end up getting hit by a car.”
AAA also offers a list of Halloween safety resources at AAA.com/halloween.
Stay safe, remember the dangers Halloween poses, but most importantly, have fun.
Leave feedback about this