Halloween Driving “Tricks” to Keep Everyone Safe

To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:

• Focus on your driving.  A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what’s happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.
• If you’re driving a group of children, but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• And if you’re driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.

Parents can help motorists, too:

• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup, rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street — look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick or treat.  

Safely Getting In or Out of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Now is a good time to remind drivers to follow the 3 Point rule while getting in and out of their trucks.  During the winter months footing conditions are compromised and the chance of slipping or falling is increased.  The 3 Point rule is simply that you keep three out of four of your contact points (hands and feet) secured to keep from slipping or falling.  When exiting a truck , for example, one hand on the cab handle, one hand gripping interior door handle and one foot on a step while the other foot is in transition, by doing this you always maintain three points of contact.