Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
State Farm® Urges Drivers to Watch Out For Walkers on Halloween
Tips on making Halloween Less Scary
October 29, 2015 – Jackson, MS – State Farm®, the nation’s largest auto insurer, warns Mississippi drivers to look out for more than just ghosts and goblins this Halloween.
Past research shows that the risk of a fatal child pedestrian accident traditionally doubles on October 31. It’s important for drivers to be extra careful in residential neighborhoods this weekend. “With Halloween falling on a Saturday you can expect there to be even more foot traffic this year,” says State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson.
While the following tips are helpful on any day, State Farm® encourages drivers to be especially alert on Halloween when the number of child pedestrian fatalities traditionally doubles.
Pedestrian Safety Tips:
Be on alert for children running in between parked cars and crossing the street in the middle of the block.
Avoid tailgating. The car in front of you may be following along with children as they trick-or-treat.
Use your car’s hazard lights to alert other drivers if you are dropping off your children.
Avoid distractions while driving. Turn the radio off, put away the smart phone and pull over if you need to direct attention to kids in the back seat.
Remember to slow down, especially in residential areas. It’s not worth jeopardizing your safety or the safety of our children.
Leave early. From school and local park district activities to neighborhood and family parties, Halloween can be an action-packed day. Leave yourself plenty of time so you don’t have to rush. Ten or fifteen extra minutes can make a big difference.
Encourage your children to carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear on their costume so they are more visible to people who are driving.
In addition to protecting children from accidents, remind kids of stranger danger on Halloween. Teach children to visit only well-lit homes, to avoid dark streets and to not enter homes that aren’t their own. Kids should show all their loot to parents before eating any of it. Homemade treats from people they don’t know shouldn’t be eaten.
More information about the Oct 31st accident risk and ways to reduce it can be found here.
Contact Public Affairs at (770) 243-9049 to set up local media interviews in your market.
