Tips for safe driving this Halloween
After nearly two years of being cooped up inside, we deserve a happy (spooky) and fun Halloween!
But just as we are doing our best to ensure a safe return-to-school and safe return-to-work, so too must a return-to-Halloween be as safe as possible. Known to be one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, drivers and pedestrians alike need extra vigilance.
Here are a few ways motorists can do their part:
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Ensure headlights, taillights, and signals are functioning properly. Turn them on at dusk to help pedestrians see you more clearly.
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Never pass parked vehicles or other obstructions without first checking for pedestrians who may be crossing the street. Children can quickly emerge from between parked cars and may not provide sufficient time to stop.
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On this night especially, reduce speed (even below the required limit) when driving through residential neighborhoods, near schools, parks, or other areas where children gather.
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Reminder: pedestrians have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks, as well as when approaching a stop sign or yield sign. Always come to a complete stop and before proceeding through the intersection wait until everyone has safely crossed the street.
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Some costumes can limit a child’s vision and make it difficult to spot vehicles. Help them out by keeping an extra eye out for them.
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Avoid any extra distractions that may avert attention from surroundings, such as loud music, or talking with passengers. It goes without saying, that texting, and other illegal distractions should never be part of driving habits.
In a 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, pedestrians were found to be 43 per cent more likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween night than on control evenings. Additionally, pedestrians between the ages of four and eight were 10 times as likely to be in a fatal accident on Halloween than control evenings.
By remaining vigilant and following the rules of the road, unnecessary accidents can be avoided. Injuries from a hit and run or pedestrian knockdown situation can be devastating, and can often result in traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other orthopedic injuries, and in the most tragic cases, death.
In Ontario, if you or someone you know has been injured, while walking, running, or cycling, due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, there are many intricacies involved in earning justice. At Singer Katz, our pedestrian accident lawyers are well versed with the issues related to all types of accidents and have extensive experience in helping clients obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
Stay alert, stay safe, and have fun this Halloween.
