Halloween: A Night of Revelry and Risks

The festivities of Halloween bring a surge in pedestrian traffic. Sadly, it has also been marked as one of the riskiest days for pedestrians, notably children. Research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the 43% heightened risk of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween, a statistic derived from 42 years of data.

The blend of darkness, increased foot traffic, and numerous distractions makes Halloween a particularly hazardous evening. For instance, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that around half of traffic-related fatalities occur in the dark or during twilight hours. Furthermore, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed a concerning 13% rise in pedestrian fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020.

Essential Safety Tips for Halloween

To foster a safe environment for all during Halloween, here are key recommendations, sourced from expert advice from Consumer Reports (CR) and the NHTSA:

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents:

• Safety in Numbers: Always have children under 12 accompanied by an adult.

• Steady Steps: Encourage children to walk calmly from one house to another, avoiding running.

• Stay on Path: Use sidewalks and avoid walking between parked cars or on grassy areas with potential tripping hazards.

• Driveway Caution: Instruct children to be extra cautious when crossing driveways.

• Visibility Matters: Opt for costumes in lighter shades and add reflective materials. This not only enhances visibility but can also be a creative addition to the costume.

• Mask Caution: Choose costumes without masks that can obstruct vision. If masks are essential, ensure they have clear eye openings.

• Light the Way: Equip children with flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility.

• Avoid Distractions: Keep mobile phones tucked away, using them only for essential photos.

• Car Seat Safety: Ensure children's costumes don't interfere with car seat harnesses. If they do, change them into their costumes after reaching your destination.

For Drivers:

• Drive Deliberately: Drive slowly, especially in residential areas, keeping an eye out for wandering trick-or-treaters.

• Stay Sober: Refrain from drinking and driving. The NHTSA data indicates a significant rise in alcohol-related incidents on Halloween.

• Yield to Pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians, especially children who may unpredictably dart onto the road.

• Buckle Up: If driving children for Halloween events, ensure they are securely buckled up before each journey.

• Parking Protocols: Avoid reversing when parking. If necessary, have an adult check for children behind the vehicle.

• Stay Connected Safely: Refrain from using mobile phones while driving. If essential, pull over to a safe spot before checking your device.

Yes, even the risks of sending your child out in the neighborhood on Halloween at night is worth this risk. Because it’s worth the experience.

Watch this!

^{(Oh, those famous last words)}

Talk about scary. Watch the late great Ken Block’s 16 year old daughter tackle Pikes Peak in this 1,400 hp beast!

Drip, drip, drip

We’re not talking about your oil leak (you should really look into that). In Gen-Z slang “drip” means fashion or clothing. And there is a lot of great automotive lifestyle “drip” out there. Here’s one brand that’s recently caught my eye. Slammed AF.

In case your car automotive-lifestyle threads aren’t as dark as your soul, this up-and-coming JDM apparel brand has you covered.

For Sale Gawking

Black Edition

Motorsport Meme of the Day

Halloween edition

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Until next time, work hard so you can drive hard!

—Rex Tracer