Pedestrians are always at risk of injuries while walking around Dallas. Negligent and distracted drivers can collide with pedestrians and cause life-changing injuries. In 2017, 615 pedestrians in Texas lost their lives in traffic accidents. On Halloween, however, pedestrians may be at a greater than usual risk of accidents due to careless and belligerent drivers.
More pedestrians using the roadway can mean more opportunities for pedestrian-vehicle collisions on Halloween. Halloween should mean thrills and spooks, not real scares such as serious accidents. Use this Halloween pedestrian safety guide to keep yourself and trick-or-treating children as safe as possible this year in the city of Dallas. Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney to learn more about pedestrian law.
Common Halloween Pedestrian Risks
Halloween night can come with additional risks to pedestrian safety that are not as common on other nights of the year. Halloween is a popular holiday for late-night parties, for example, which can increase the number of drunk drivers on the road. Halloween also comes with a huge increase in the number of pedestrians in Dallas for trick-or-treating. Recognizing the most common pedestrian risks on Halloween night could help you avoid dangerous situations.
- Drunk or drugged drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Speeding or reckless drivers
- Drowsy drivers
- Poor visibility
- Lack of crosswalks
- Poorly designed roadways
- Sidewalk defects
- Slip, trip and fall hazards
- Criminals
Negligent, dangerous and careless drivers are the most serious risks to watch out for as a pedestrian on Halloween. Drivers can put pedestrians at serious risks of injuries by not paying attention to the road, failing to watch for trick-or-treaters or driving recklessly. A vehicle-pedestrian collision could be disastrous or fatal for the pedestrian. Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents in Dallas. You should also be on the lookout for unsafe sidewalks and criminals as a pedestrian. Walk in well-lighted areas for optimal safety.
Pedestrian and Motorist Safety Tips
As a pedestrian, take steps to increase your safety on Halloween night. Pass these tips onto your children if they are trick-or-treating this year. First, tell kids to walk, not run. Running can increase the risk of falls and of darting into traffic. Children should always stop and look both ways for oncoming vehicles before crossing a road – even if a crosswalk has given the walk signal. Carry flashlights or glow sticks to both light the way and increase your visibility to drivers. Use reflective tape on goodie bags for extra visibility.
Children should know never to enter the homes or vehicles of strangers while trick-or-treating. Send them with a responsible adult, as well as with cellphones in case of emergencies. Tailor costumes with safety in mind, making sure they are short enough not to tangle between the legs or trip the wearer. Avoid using masks or long wigs that could impede vision. Make sure children know not to eat anything until they have come home and allowed a parent to carefully inspect the goodies.
Driving on Halloween
As a driver, what you do can also impact safety – for yourself and vulnerable pedestrians. If you plan on driving on Halloween, do not plan on drinking. Arrange for a sober ride to and from your destination, especially if you are attending parties where you know the host will be serving alcohol. If you do drive, pay special attention to the road and watch for pedestrians. Thousands of kids and their guardians will flood the streets of Dallas on Halloween night for trick-or-treating and other local events. Try to avoid residential zones as much as possible.
Keep your eyes on the road and put your phone away while driving. Avoid other distractions as well, such as chatting with passengers or eating behind the wheel. Reduce your speed at or below posted limits at all times. Prepare to brake at any moment, without warning. Children in costumes may not obey pedestrian rules and may run into the road. Yield the right-of-way to crossing pedestrians whenever applicable. Stay alert and do not drive if you are feeling fatigued. It is up to you to prevent tragedies this Halloween.