ATLANTA — Unfortunately, we're expecting a soggy Halloween night here in Atlanta, which means you need to take extra precaution behind the wheel, whether you're taking the little ones out to trick-or-treat or celebrating with your adult friends.
The Georgia Department of Transportation reminds everyone that Halloween night is typically more hazardous for pedestrians, with an average of seven pedestrian fatalities every year between 6 p.m.-4 a.m. across Georgia.
It's important to remember that 6-9 p.m. are the hours when pedestrians are at the greatest risk, and 75 percent of pedestrian crashes happen outside of intersections or crosswalks and sidewalks.
Here are some safety tips if you plan to be out on Thursday night:
- Drivers, slow down: This one is obvious - there's a lot of people out and about! Be extra cautious in active neighborhoods.
- Be alert for walkers: There are lots of little kids, and they're not always the most predictable. Try to be hyper aware as you go down a street.
- Eliminate distractions: You need to be able to concentrate on the road and your surroundings, so put that phone down.
- Don’t drink and drive: Duh.
- Designate a sober buddy: This is useful whether someone is driving or even if you're only going out on foot to party - you never know when you might be close to stumbling off a sidewalk.
- See and be seen: If you're walking, make sure you stand out. Use reflective tape in costumes or wear a brightly colored vest if you're leading around little trick-or-treaters.
- Carry glowsticks or flashlights: This also helps you stay visible.
- Cross the street at designated corners and crosswalks: You might think you're in the clear and be tempted to jaywalk - don't. Those are the situations where a car comes out of nowhere at the worst possible moment.
Bottom line is be safe, be aware and, of course most importantly, have a fun and safe Halloween.
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