DHTS Acting Director Gary Poedubicky said parents should discuss with their children strategies for being safe pedestrians as they go trick-or-treating. In addition, adults who plan to drink at a Halloween party should make plans to get home safely.

“Halloween is a rare holiday in that people of all ages are out at night enjoying themselves and the volume on the roads and sidewalks could increase because Halloween falls on a Friday this year,” Poedubicky said. “Our concerns vary for the different age groups. First and foremost, many children are not experienced pedestrians and will need a refresher from their parents on what being safe on the streets and sidewalks really means. This conversation should start with reminders like only crossing at crosswalks and wearing light-colored or reflective clothing with their costumes.”

“Secondly, adults who plan to attend a party and drink alcohol, should not plan to drive themselves home. They should designate a driver or plan to take a cab or public transit. Just like ‘trick-or-treat’ and ‘drink-and-drive’, it is one or the other – not both.”

On average, more than 400 child pedestrians under the age of 15 are struck by motor vehicles in the state each year. Last year, six were killed on New Jersey’s roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that, on average, twice as many children are killed in pedestrian/vehicle accidents on Halloween between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. as compared to the same hours on other days throughout the year

The Division offers the following safety tips to ensure a safe Halloween.

Tips for Parents to Share with Children:

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.

• Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• Cross at intersections only and never cross between parked cars

• If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

In 2012, almost half (48%) of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities across the country on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) involved a drunk driver. In 2012 alone, 26 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night. These numbers from the NHTSA reveal that drunk driving is more prevalent on Halloween compared with the rest of the year.

For Partygoers:

• Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.

• Always designate a sober driver.

• If you are drunk, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.

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