Halloween Safety Tips for Hawaiʻi Pedestrians and Drivers

PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation advises motorists to to plan out their routes ahead of time and be especially cautious for pedestrians and other roadway users during Halloween.

Drivers are also reminded that there will be a higher number of people walking along roadways.

The department compiled two lists–one for young pedestrians, and the other for motorists–to encourage safety on the roads during the holiday.

Halloween Safety Tips for Young Pedestrians:

• #1 Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
• #2 Always stand back a step from the curb until it is time to cross.
• #3 Look left, right, and left again and check for turning cars before and while crossing the street. Cross only at crosswalks.
• #4 Lower electronic devices and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• #5 Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far left side of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• #6 Wear a highly visible or reflective costume or put reflective stickers on clothing, trick-or-treat bags or toys.
• #7 Especially be sure to pay attention when walking past driveways to make sure cars aren’t pulling in or out.
• #8 Eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before crossing in front of them is important.
• #9 Never cross when you see the countdown signal with the red stop hand. Cross only when you see the “walking man” signal.

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers:

• #1 Always be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk. A pedestrian may be hidden from view.
• #2 Be vigilant. Always look for pedestrian movement in your direction.
• #3 Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Proceed when the pedestrian has safely passed your vehicle.
• #4 Be aware that pedestrians can be hidden from view by stopped vehicles on multi-lane streets.
• #5 When driving between dusk and dawn, watch for pedestrians in dark clothing. Always use your headlights.
• #6 Always watch for pedestrians when backing out of driveways or parking stalls. Children can be hidden from view.
• #7 Make sure that you are fit to drive. Any physical or medical changes can alter your driving abilities.

The Department of Transportation notes that the number one reason for pedestrian crashes and fatalities is inattentive behavior for both drivers and walkers. The department urges the public to always pay attention while driving or walking.