Safe driving should be a top priority for Oklahomans this Halloween, company says

TULSA, Okla. — AAA urges Oklahomans getting ready for a Halloween weekend to make safety a top priority. Drinking and drug use mixed with driving puts everyone at risk on the road.

The company spokesperson Leslie Gamble said, “Even one drink or gummy can be too many.”

“Having a game plan for getting home from a Halloween party is critical. Don’t wait until you’ve been partying. By that point, your judgement is impaired,” Gamble continued.

Even though celebrations over the last year-and-a-half have been smaller due to COVID-19 restrictions, AAA reported 121 crashes in Green Country over a 12 hour period last Halloween. Three people were killed and another three were seriously injured.

A 2019 study reported that nationally, pedestrian fatalities — including children and adults — rises by 43 percent on Halloween.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that Halloween is one of the top three days each year for pedestrian injuries and deaths.

AAA recommended the following tips for drivers and pedestrians to stay safe this Halloween:

• Wear bright clothing and/or reflective accessories.
• Stay on sidewalks and cross the street at intersections — preferably, those with traffic signals
• Don’t use your phone while behind the wheel
• Look for children crossing the street
• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys, taking extra care if you’re backing up or turning.
• Turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible.
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• For motorists attending Halloween parties, AAA reminds you to drive on while drug and alcohol-free, or select a designated driver for the day, plan to take a ride share or cab.
• Seatbelts save lives.

For Parents:

• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility.
• Be bright at night — have trick-or-treaters use glow sticks or wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and on treat buckets.
• Ensure disguises don’t obstruct vision and avoid full facemasks.
• Create face masks that coordinate with costumes rather than regular costume masks. This won’t obstruct vision and follows health and safety COVID-19 guidelines.
• Use nontoxic face paint and watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
• Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury.
• Ask an adult or older children to supervise children under age 12.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas.
• Teach children to stop at only well-lit houses and to never enter a stranger’s home.

Trick-or-Treaters:.

• Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking on the street.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Cross streets only at the corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
• Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
• Tell your parents where you’re going.
• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries. Never shine flashlights into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Party Goers:

• Arrange a safe ride home and/or establish a designated driver before partaking in any festivities.
• If you’re drunk, take a cab or ride share service.
• Before leaving for a party, make sure you have the information downloaded for cabs or ride share services.
• Walking impaired can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them set up safer travel arrangements.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

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