A Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Explains Halloween Night Driving Dangers: How Increased Pedestrian Activity Raises Accident Risks

A Philadelphia car accident attorney explains that the spookiest night of the year, Halloween, creates an atmosphere heavy with foot traffic. As most of those people making their way from house to house are children or pre-teens, the chances of someone walking and not paying attention increase. As a result, the risk of an auto-pedestrian accident also increases dramatically.

Why Is Driving So Difficult On Halloween Night?

Children and adolescents, the main group trick-or-treating, are smaller and harder to see than adults. On top of that, children have their eyes on the next candy offering— not on the vehicles traveling on their neighborhood streets. With dark costumes and distracted children the norm, driving becomes an adventure on Halloween.

How Can Motorists And Trick Or Treaters Safely Coexist On Halloween Night?

Driving with both eyes on the road should be an “everyday” practice. However, this lesson in paying attention is especially important on Halloween night. In addition to paying close attention to the road and their surroundings, a driver can take additional steps to minimize the risk of an auto-pedestrian accident:

• While a driver may be tempted to quickly get out of an area with many trick-or-treaters, it may actually make more sense to reduce speed. On Halloween, driving at or below the speed limit provides the best opportunity to view pedestrians and avoid distracted trick or treaters or their parents in area roadways.
• Anticipate people emerging from strange areas onto the road. Most of the year, pedestrians will cross the street at crosswalks and other designated locations. All bets are off on Halloween, however. People who are not used to walking up and down the street will dart out into the road without looking.
• Finally, avoiding alcohol on Halloween night gives a driver the best chance to avoid creating a dangerous situation on the roads. An impaired driver is more likely to make bad decisions or react too slowly to changing road conditions. Split seconds matter when it comes to avoiding children on the road.
• Trick-or-treaters should consider wearing costumes with reflectors and other visibility-enhancing clothing. Even though it may not be historically accurate, every mummy, pirate, or soldier who ventures out for candy on Halloween should consider slapping a reflective piece of clothing or tape on their back to better alert motorists to their presence.

A Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Serving Accident Victims

A Philadelphia car accident attorney with the heart of a teacher, Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., seeks to inform his clients of their options. A person who understands their options makes better decisions. Contact our office today for a free consultation to develop a stronger understanding of your case and your rights.