Halloween is just around the corner and as such, families all across the state of Washington have begun to prepare for the celebration.
While most U.S. drivers expect to see trick-or-treaters walking in the dark during the scary holiday, official statistics show that, every year, children are injured in accidents while celebrating.
According to research carried out by AutoInsurance.org, Fridays are the deadliest days for Halloween, seeing a 22% increase in the number of fatal crashes when compared to average Fridays. Other dangerous Halloween days for pedestrians of all ages are Tuesdays, Sundays, and Thursdays. Saturdays, on the other hand, are often the safest, with lower accident rates when compared to average Saturdays.
When it comes to Halloween traffic accident victims, children are on the top of the list.
Accounting for 18% of those who are fatally injured in deadly Halloween accidents, children are vulnerable targets but not the only ones, as pedestrians in general are also at risk. According to the data, pedestrians are generally 50% more likely to die on Halloween than on an average day.
Keep Your Children Safe This Halloween And Avoid Crashes
Children are three times more likely to be struck and killed on Halloween than on any other day, according to data from the AAA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In order to help prevent deadly accidents involving children, Washington drivers should slow down in residential neighborhoods, make sure they are obeying traffic signs and signals at all times, and always drive 5 mph below the speed limit in order to have plenty of time to slow down and stop if they see a child crossing the street.
Additionally, keep in mind that impaired and distracted driving are against the law, and especially dangerous during the Halloween season as more kids and pedestrians are hitting the streets.
If you’re a parent, remember to keep your children’s costumes bright and colorful so drivers can better see them as it gets dark. Always have an adult or older child supervise children under the age of 12, and never allow any of the kids to stray away from the group.
For more Halloween-related accident statistics and safety tips, follow this link.
