AAA is urging parents to make their children's costumes more visible to motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalitie According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year.
According to crash data provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) last year Virginia pedestrian fatalities were up more than 50% compared to 2015 with the majority of pedestrian fatalities occurring in the months of October, November, March and December.
Pedestrian involved crash data provided by Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Using reflective tape or glow sticks can assist in improving driver visibility. Also, make sure any costume props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid tripping.
Motorists are asked to use caution and slow down when driving through residential neighborhoods. Turn on headlights to make vehicle more visible.
Party goers should call a cab if they have been drinking throughout the night. 43% of all vehicle accidents on Halloween night involved drunk drivers.