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Warning to Witches: Beware of Traffic

22 October 1999

Warning to Witches: Beware of Traffic; AAA Offices Have Free Halloween Safety Tips in English and Spanish; End of Daylight-Saving Time Means Early Dusk, Limited Visibility

    SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 21, 1999--Dark costumes -- like those favored by witches and ninja warriors -- can make it hard for drivers to see trick-or-treaters, AAA warns.
    "The key to a safe Halloween is to see and be seen," says Merry Banks, manager of traffic safety at AAA of Northern California. "The end of daylight-saving time means that commute time will now spill over into dusk -- when visibility is lowest."
    Nearly half of pedestrian fatalities involving children occur between 4 and 8 p.m.
    "Dark costumes and masks that obstruct vision are a traffic safety hazard," says Banks. "But if parents follow a few precautions, they can keep trick-or-treating fun and safe."
    All AAA offices offer free Halloween safety tips in English and Spanish. Here are a few:

--   Use makeup instead of a mask.

--   Wear a florescent or light-colored costume, or use
     retro-reflective tape as part of the costumes.

--   Pin up long costumes to prevent tripping.

--   Carry a flashlight.

--   Trick-or-treat in a group.

--   Plan your route and pick well-lit areas.

--   Cross at corners and look all ways.

--   If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

--   Young trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by a parent or
     older teen.

--   Sort and eat treats at home under parents' supervision.
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    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves nearly 4 million members.

Note to Editors/TV/Photographers: AAA has Beta B-roll of kids in safe Halloween costumes reflecting in headlights. We can provide children in reflective costumes and traffic safety staff for news appearances.