PennDOT Offers Motorists and Pedestrians Safety Tips for the Halloween Season

Indiana, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 10, covering Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana and Jefferson counties, is encouraging drivers and pedestrians to celebrate Halloween safely and responsibly.

"It's time for Halloween parades, trick-or-treating and holiday celebrations," said Tina Gibbs, District 10 Community Relations Coordinator. "We want everyone to enjoy their events, but the number one priority regardless of your activity is safety."

Motorists should be extra cautious during trick-or-treat events, especially in residential neighborhoods. There will be lots of children out, who aren't necessarily paying attention to traffic. Slow down and always be aware of your surroundings, taking extra time at intersections to be sure there are no children crossing the street.

It's important that drivers remain vigilant and keep an eye out for children darting into the road, crossing parking lots, or walking along the streets.

Pedestrians need to make sure they are visible to motorists. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes, carrying a flashlight, or wearing glow sticks. Instead of masks, which can obstruct vision, use face paint to complete a costume.

Remind children that they should:

• Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when available.
• Put down electronic devices and pay attention to their surroundings.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Always walk on sidewalks, when available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

If you're attending a Halloween party, plan your safe ride home ahead of time, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver. Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you've had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, plan to use a ride service, or call a taxi or sober friend to get home safely. If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and arrange to get your friend home safely.

PennDOT's media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

​Subscribe to PennDOT news in in Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District10.

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