NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Halloween approaches, AAA Kansas reminds ghosts and goblins, trick-or-treaters, parents, and party goers too, of the dangerous traffic safety concerns associated with the holiday.
"First and foremost, we've got a lot of child pedestrians out there trick or treating," Steward said. "According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. We also factor in people going to Halloween parties, impaired driving becomes an issue. You put those factors together and it can be very dangerous."
More than 40% of Halloween crash fatalities involve drunk drivers.
"Be very aware of your surroundings," Steward said. "Don't be speeding through neighborhoods. Especially if you're drinking, you're celebrating with alcohol or any kind of impairing substance, don't get behind the wheel. Find a sober driver to get you home safely."
If you must drive in a residential neighborhood, look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
"Sometimes, those motorists either don't see the kids in time to stop, or those drivers are impaired," Steward said. "The night can quickly turn tragic."
Also, if you have to drive at all, drive with your focus on the road and not on your phone, as distractions make it hard to see little ones that may cross your path.
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