Halloween gridlock! Friday night means more street danger
The streets could be more crowded — and more dangerous for trick-or-treaters — this October 31st. That’s simply because this year’s fright night is on a Friday.
“When Halloween falls during the middle of the work week, parties and events are spread out over several days to include the weekend,” said Beth Mosher, spokesperson for AAA Chicago. “With Halloween on a Friday this year, most festivities are expected to take place that evening putting a large number of adult partygoers on the road the same night as trick-or-treaters.”
Some 93 percent of children are expected to go trick-or-treating, according to the National Confectioners Association. Combine so many kids running around after dark with the fact that two out of three young adults ages 18 to 24 plan to throw or attend a Halloween party this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Statistically, young drivers cause more car accidents than any other age group.
“Unfortunately we also see a sharp rise in the number of motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween when it is on a weekend,” said Mosher.
To help avoid a scary collision, AAA suggests that parents tell trick-or-treaters to stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks, avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars and stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out. The little witches and werewolves should avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic altogether, only visiting well-lit streets with sidewalks. An adult or a responsible teen should accompany younger trick-or-treaters.
Here are more safety tips from the American Red Cross and the National Association of State Fire Marshals.
