AAA Encourages Advance Planning to Keep Friday-Night Halloween Bashes From Turning...

AAA Encourages Advance Planning to Keep Friday-Night Halloween Bashes From
Turning Into Crashes

Sharp rise in traffic fatalities seen when holiday falls on weekend

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Halloween is just around the
corner, and this year's calendar has it landing on a Friday -- causing an
expected rise in the number of partygoers and trick-or-treaters taking to the
streets on Halloween night. AAA urges revelers both young and old to make
advance plans to stay safe.

"When Halloween falls during the middle of the work week, parties and events
are spread out over several days to include the weekend," said Jennifer
Huebner, manager, AAA Traffic Safety Programs. "With Halloween on a Friday
this year, most festivities are expected to take place that evening, putting a
large number of adult partygoers on the road the same night as
trick-or-treaters."

Two out of three adults ages 18 to 24 plan to throw or attend a Halloween
party this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and 93 percent
of children are expected to go trick-or-treating reports the National
Confectioners Association.

"Unfortunately, we also see a sharp rise in the number of motor vehicle
fatalities on Halloween when it is on a weekend, so it's critical for both
motorists and pedestrians to take extra caution and make sure this is a safe
and happy Halloween for everyone," said Huebner.

The number of motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween rises an average of 30
percent to 151 deaths when October 31 is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday,
compared to other days of the week, according to data from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

AAA suggests partygoers and trick-or-treaters reduce their risk of being
involved in a motor vehicle crash by doing some advance planning.

Partygoers & Hosts
-- Make plans to get home safely. If intending to consume alcohol, make
plans to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or ensuring
cab service is available from the party location.
-- Consider an overnight stay. If attending a party at a friend's
home, consider asking to stay overnight. If participating in
festivities
in a downtown or commercial area, look into hotel accommodations
within
walking distance. Many hotels offer special Halloween weekend rates
and
promotions.
-- Have safe transportation options ready. If hosting a party with
alcohol,
compile a list of phone numbers including local cab companies and
organizations offering designated driver services to have readily
available should guests need a safe way home.
-- Plan your travel route carefully. Try to avoid cutting through
residential areas that will likely have a large number of
trick-or-treaters. If providing directions to a party, make sure to
not
route guests through residential areas unnecessarily.
-- Take care of designated drivers and offer alternatives to alcohol.
Plan
to have non-alcoholic drink options available for designated drivers
and
others. Serve plenty of food so partygoers do not drink on empty
stomachs.

Trick-or-Treaters & Parents
-- Select highly visible costumes. Look for light, bright and reflective
costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape
to
costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility.
-- Ensure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play
in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes
loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that wigs or other
accessories do not obstruct the child's view.
-- Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules
in
the review such as: stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at
crosswalks, avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars
and
stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out.
-- Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas
with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with
sidewalks.
Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany
younger trick-or-treaters.
-- Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help
trick-or-treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at
someone's eyes including those of passing motorists.

AAA offers an in-depth list of Halloween safety tips for motorists, parents
and kids online at AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA
provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and
automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit,
fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and
security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at
www.AAA.com.

AAA news releases can be downloaded from www.aaa.com/news.

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click
appropriate link.
Christie Hyde
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=64864

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SOURCE AAA

Christie Hyde of AAA, +1-407-444-8003, chyde@national.aaa.com