Halloween is a fun holiday for trick-or-treaters with families walking along and on the roads, dressed in costumes, heading from door to door for sweet treats and delightful delights. So many people go from sidewalk to street to fill their candy buckets. There is, however, a danger during these familial excursions: drivers.

Accidents Occur More During Halloween

As Halloween celebrants participate by walking through neighborhoods, many people will be in areas where vehicles are present during the festivities. Research shows that the percentage of accidents that involve pedestrians increases dramatically during Halloween. On average, the likelihood of an accident involving a pedestrian on Halloween is almost double what it would be on any given day. Vigilance is critical for pedestrians, and focus is imperative for drivers.

Distracted Driving on Halloween

With so many people on the roads during Halloween, distracted drivers are more dangerous. Distracted driving can become deadly without warning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people die daily in crashes involving distracted drivers. 20% of distracted driving fatalities were people biking or walking. There are three main types of distracted driving:

• Visual - Your eyes are focused on something other than the road.
• Manual - Your hands come off the wheel.
• Cognitive - Your thoughts are on other things, not driving and the road, such as daydreaming.

How to Stop Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is preventable and can be combated by those behind the wheel in various ways. One of the easiest ways is simply to silence your cell phone while driving. Without the notification sounds or ringtone, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes and mind on the road becomes more manageable. As well, ensure that you are not multitasking while driving. If you need to adjust your mirrors, select a new song, or eat, do so before, after, or during rest breaks while going. During Halloween, when pedestrians are on the roads en masse, staying vigilant is the key to keeping everyone sharing the road safely.

Client Representation When It Counts

At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys can help you with your case. If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a distracted driver, contact us today for a free consultation.