Like Halloween, many exciting events are happening in the second half of October. Halloween is when children and adults dress up as their favorite characters and celebrate the fall season.
“Halloween October’’ has been recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC) as a dangerous time for drunk driving accidents in the United States due to the increase in parties and alcohol consumption around Halloween.
Halloween car accident statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for car accidents. In fact, between 2005 and 2014, there were 15,290 motor vehicle accidents on Halloween.
According to statistics from the NHTSA, about 5 percent of all fatal crashes in 2019 were caused by alcohol impairment. This number is higher for young people under age 21; about 20 percent of deadly crashes involving teens are alcohol-related.
In 2016, more than 100 children were killed in motor vehicle accidents during trick-or-treating hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In addition to traffic accidents on Halloween night, many people hit their breaking point after spending time with their families and friends throughout October and November. They try to make up for lost sleep by driving while tired, which can lead to even more accidents on busy roads and unsafe driving conditions such as tailgating or speeding through intersections without looking both ways.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents During the Halloween Season
Halloween is the time when ghouls and goblins take over the streets and are ready to cause trouble. Spooky decorations, pumpkins, and candles are a significant source of distraction for drivers.
The most common causes of car accidents during the Halloween season include the following:
- Distracted driving: Drivers tend to ignore their driving while decorating their homes or checking out other people’s decorations. They also tend to drive slower than usual because they are distracted by all the traffic around them.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians who have consumed alcohol may cause accidents with moving vehicles while crossing intersections or walking in parking lots. Poor visibility due to darkness and foggy weather conditions at night can increase the chances of an accident between two vehicles or between a vehicle and a pedestrian.
- Speeding: Some people speed because they want to get home sooner or beat the traffic but speeding also puts them at risk for an accident because it’s harder to control a vehicle going faster than posted limits allow.
- Lack of visibility: The dark colors of costumes and decorations make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and other vehicles. It’s essential to watch children in costumes who may run across the street or into traffic without warning.
Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers
- If you’re driving in an area where trick-or-treaters will be roaming the streets, be aware of your surroundings. Use extra caution to ensure you don’t hit anyone as they’re walking along or crossing the street. If you see children out at night, slow down and use extra caution, as they may not see you coming.
- Before heading out on Halloween night, you should ensure your car is safe for trick-or-treaters. Check your tire pressure, make sure that all lights work, and fill up any empty gas cans to have enough fuel if you need to run errands after dropping off your kids at their friends’ houses.
- Be prepared for pedestrians crossing your path unexpectedly. Sometimes drivers can’t see pedestrians behind them because they’re distracted by something else in front of them, such as texting. Always be aware of what’s happening behind and around you.
- Turn down the radio and pay attention to your surroundings. You must be aware of what’s happening around you while driving, even when you’re stopped at an intersection or stuck in traffic. Don’t let yourself get distracted by your phone or music. Keep all of your senses focused on what’s happening around you instead.
Our Las Vegas Personal Injury wishes you a safe Halloween season! Share these tips with anyone who can benefit from this information.
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