As Halloween approaches, the Auto Club of Southern California wants everyone to stay safe—drivers, pedestrians, party hosts, and homeowners alike. Whether you're on the road, out trick-or-treating, or hosting a party, there are simple steps to avoid common holiday hazards. And with the end of Daylight Saving Time on Halloween night, drivers will need to take extra precautions against drowsy driving as they commute home from work in darker conditions next week.
Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers
- Avoid neighborhood shortcuts: Stick to main roads and avoid cutting through residential streets where children may be trick-or-treating.
- Watch for children: Kids may walk on streets and curbs, often in dark costumes. Be alert for children crossing mid-block or between parked cars.
- Slow down: Driving 10 mph slower can be the difference between life and death. A pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed at 35 mph than at 25 mph.
- Drive sober: One-third of motor vehicle deaths involve alcohol-impaired drivers. If you're drinking, always designate a sober driver.
Halloween Tips for Parents & Pedestrians
- Trick-or-treat together: Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
- Review safety rules: Teach kids to stay on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and stop at driveways.
- Choose visible costumes: Opt for bright, reflective costumes, and add reflective tape to make kids easier to see.
- Check costumes: Ensure costumes don’t obstruct vision or pose a tripping hazard. Consider face paint instead of masks.
- Carry a flashlight: Keep a flashlight handy but avoid shining it in others’ eyes, especially drivers.
- Buckle up: If driving trick-or-treaters, ensure proper use of seat belts and child seats.
Halloween Party Safety
- Plan ahead: If drinking, arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.
- Consider staying overnight: If attending a party, ask to stay over or book a nearby hotel.
- Provide safe transportation options: Hosts should offer cab or ride-share numbers and ensure guests have a safe way home.
- Offer alternatives to alcohol: Serve non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and provide plenty of food.
Homeowner Safety
- Avoid open flames: Use LED lights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Keep walkways clear: Remove any obstacles like hoses, garden tools, or decorations that could cause someone to trip.
- Secure your home: Lock doors and windows, keep your home well-lit, and activate any security systems while you are away.
Time Change Can Cause Traffic Hazards from Drowsy Driving, Darker Commutes
The upcoming time change and loss of one hour on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 a.m. can disturb drivers’ sleep patterns over the next week and possibly cause drowsy driving, leading to dangerous conditions during darker evening commutes.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers who have slept fewer than five hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. And missing just one to two hours of sleep can nearly double the crash risk.
The Auto Club recommends drivers adjust their habits behind the wheel and watch for children and others outdoors who will be less visible, especially during the first weeks of the time change.
“To reduce the risk of drowsy driving in the days following the time change, drivers should get at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “AAA researchers have found that missing just one to two hours of sleep can nearly double the risk for a crash.”
Drivers should be aware that the morning sun may cause reflections off car windows, hoods or other metallic portions of automobiles and can be a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians. In addition, children, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists could be much less visible in the evenings.
The Auto Club recommends vehicle owners take the time to restore or replace deteriorated headlight lenses. With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration kit to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
The Auto Club recommends the following tips:
Pedestrians
- See and be seen. Drivers need to see you to avoid you.
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing streets.
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing at night.
- Carry a flashlight when walking or walking pets in the dark.
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
Drivers
- Do not rely on your body to provide warning signs for drowsiness. Instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
- Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake.
- Avoid heavy foods.
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.