The meaning of Halloween will vary depending on your age. For children, Halloween is a time to dress up in fun or spooky costumes, and roam the streets in search of candy. For adults, Halloween can mean costume parties, or maybe chaperoning a little fleet of candy seekers. Either way, it's important to be safe this Halloween, and keep in mind that there will be more people on streets and sidewalks than usual.
Subaru vehicles are tested for safety, but conditions on Halloween night don't quite match up with the conditions at the IIHS Vehicle Research Center. Here are some things to keep in mind for safe driving this Halloween.
On average, there are over twice as many child pedestrians killed on Halloween than on any other night during the year. While children should wear or carry lights, or incorporate reflective or high visibility materials into their costumes, this doesn’t always happen. If you're driving this Halloween, be extra alert, especially around high foot-traffic areas where children are Trick-or-Treating.
Always follow posted speed limit signs, and slow down in areas where there are pedestrians, or parked cars. Do not pass vehicles that are stopped in the road without communicating with the other driver.
Stop or slow down at all crosswalks, even if you don't initially see a pedestrian. If you're a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk, keep in mind that people can't see as well at night as they can during the day. Don't walk until you know for certain that the vehicle is stopping.
Never drink and drive. 44% of fatal crashes and 23% of pedestrian fatalities that occur on Halloween involve a driver who was over the legal limit. If you are going to a party this Halloween, designate a non-drinking driver that can safely get everybody home.
Also be aware of other drivers. Keep in mind that not everyone is responsible, and it's possible that there are drunk drivers on the road.
The busiest hours for Trick-or-Treating are between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
