Auto Club Offers Haloween Safety Tips
27 October 1998
Auto Club Says Trick-or-Treaters Need to "See and be Seen" for a Safe Halloween
LOS ANGELES--Oct. 27, 1998--Halloween can be a tragedy rather than a treat for young people and motorists if they don't follow some basic safety rules, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
"More than 40 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in California involving children aged 5 to 14 occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m ... prime trick or treating time," said Arline Dillman, chief traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "Both children and motorists need to see and be seen."
"Last year, 50 children were killed and 3,582 were injured in pedestrian related accidents statewide," added Dillman. "Many of these tragedies could be have been avoided by taking safety precautions."
The Auto Club recommends the following trick-or-treating tips:
-- Parents or an older teen should accompany young
trick-or-treaters. If a parent or adult cannot accompany
children, they should trick-or-treat with a group of friends.
-- Carry a flashlight both to light the way and to make children
visible to motorists.
-- If trick or treating at night, wear a light colored costume
with retroreflective tape. Consider using make-up rather than a
mask. If a mask is worn, remove it before crossing the street to
improve the ability to see oncoming traffic.
-- Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance and pick well-lit
streets. Parents should be familiar with the streets on which
children will be trick or treating. Children should only go to
homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as
a sign of welcome. Children should not enter homes or apartments
unless accompanied by an adult.
-- Cross streets at corners only. Avoid crossing between parked
cars or in the middle of the block. If there are no sidewalks,
always walk facing traffic.
-- Wait until arriving home to sort, check and eat treats.
Parents should inspect a child's treats for suspicious or strange
looking items.
"Since Halloween occurs after the end of daylight savings time, sunset will take place an hour earlier," said Dillman. "Trick-or-treaters are particularly at risk because they will be out when visibility is lowest. Both youngsters and motorists need to watch out for each other."
The Auto Club recommends the following Halloween safety tips for motorists:
-- Stay alert for children crossing streets at all locations, not
just corners and intersections.
-- Drive slowly in residential areas.
-- Don't run red lights. Give yourself enough time to reach your
destination.
-- Check a vehicle's headlights, taillights, brake lights and
turn signals to ensure they are in proper working condition.
-- Clean windows and headlights to improve visibility.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
