Halloween is a fun time for children, and a lot of youngsters go out at night into neighborhoods with their parents to go trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, that increases the risk of a car accident that can leave people seriously hurt. That’s why it is so important for all drivers out at night to take steps to make sure everyone is safe.
Here are 10 tips for safe nighttime driving on Halloween and on every other night of the year:
Pay close attention to crosswalks and intersections
There will be more people out walking on Halloween, including young children. Also, pedestrians can be harder to spot at night, especially if they are wearing dark clothing or costumes.
Reduce your speed
Children may sometimes unexpectedly dart out into the street. The faster you are driving, the longer it will take to bring your car to a complete stop to prevent a collision. Wet leaves can also be slippery and cause your vehicle to skid if you brake too suddenly.
Be extra careful when backing up
There could be children behind you that you can’t see. If possible, have someone stand outside while you back up to make sure your path is clear. If that's not an option, triple check to make sure no one is behind you and then proceed to safely back up your vehicle.
Don’t use cellphones or other handheld electronic devices
These distractions can take your eyes, hands, and mind off of the road, and a pedestrian accident can happen in seconds if you aren’t being attentive while you're driving.
Check your car's headlights
Make sure they are aligned correctly (check the owner’s manual or ask a mechanic). Clean your headlights if they are dirty, and be sure they are on even if you are driving before the sun goes down completely.
Look away from oncoming lights
Try to avoid looking directly at the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, especially if it has its high beams activated. This can help you avoid eye strain and glare.
Keep your vehicle's windshield clean
When the glass on a car windshield is dirty or streaky, light can scatter, creating a dangerous glare. Keep the inside of the windshield clean too, using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Use extra caution passing cars stopped on the street
There could be people about to get out of the car, or pedestrians could be trying to cross the street in front of the car that's stopped.
when dropping kids off, pull your vehicle over to a location that is safe
For example, have children and any other passengers exit curbside away from oncoming traffic on the street.
If you wear glasses, use anti-reflective lenses
Lenses treated with an anti-reflective coating can help reduce glare, provide sharper vision and make it easier to see the road at night.
Legal help is available for accident victims
If you are ever injured in an accident, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Call the police. Get medical attention. Gather contact information and take photos of the accident scene. Notify your insurance company. Then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.
At the Law Office of Edward C. Gill, P.A., our attorneys have been fighting for the injured in Sussex County since 1983. We take your case seriously from the start and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Georgetown car accident attorney.