Did you know that more than 41 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 will celebrate trick or treating on October 31st in the U.S.? It’s a busy night on the roads and sidewalks – and the worst night for vandalism. Halloween night is a time when motorists need to be extra vigilant when on the roads, pedestrians need to light their paths to ensure they’re seen, and party goers must celebrate responsibly. 

There are some scary statistics when it comes to alcohol-related crashes on Halloween. AAA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that during the Halloween night during the years 2013-2017, 158 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes and 42% of people fatally injured in a traffic crash involved at least 1 drunk driver. Furthermore, in 2017, more than half of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred with the pedestrian outside of a marked crosswalk. And, nearly 80 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred after 6 p.m.

In addition to these sobering facts, vandalism is also a concern on Halloween night. “Property vandalism and injuries tend to spike on Halloween night,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations for AAA Western and Central New York. “It’s important to make sure you’re covered for whatever might occur.”

With so many dangers lurking on a single night, AAA has tips for everyone to stay safe on Halloween:

Drivers

• Drive slowly and be on the lookout for creatures that can come out of nowhere; keep your windshield clean. 
• Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. 
• Don’t hesitate to use your horn if you’re concerned that trick-or-treaters don’t see you.
• If you see a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Avoid using handheld electronic devices.

Pedestrians

• Walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, as far to the side as safely possible so you can move quickly out of the road if you feel threatened by traffic.
• Make yourself as visible to motorists as possible, especially at night and in low light by carrying a flashlight, wearing a small flashing strobe light, and wearing reflective clothing.
• Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night. Alcohol affects judgment, balance, and reaction time. Create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely.

Party Hosts

• Generous lighting outside of your home keeps vandals away while providing safe passage to party guests and trick-or-treaters. 
• Keep walkways and stairs clear of debris and make sure they’re well-lit.
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food along with your preferred potion.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.

Prepare for pranksters
Vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween as on an average day, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. 

• To avoid having your car egged, or even stolen, park it in a secure garage or a safe, well-lit area. 
• Double check that car doors are locked, and windows are up.

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