Halloween is just around the corner, and holiday revelers and trick-or-treaters on the roads can create hazardous driving conditions. Trick-or-treaters crossing roads are not always visible to drivers until it’s too late! Many single-vehicle collisions are the result of drivers swerving to avoid hitting an obstacle. The split second the driver has to react does not allow him or her time to discern the safest direction to turn the car. It’s also difficult to control a car when you make a sharp turn. In MSN Autos’ list of the 10 most fatal driver mistakes, guess what landed the number one spot. Swerving! Even if the driver manages to swerve and avoid a collision, the jerking of the car can lead to its own problems as muscles are stretched and strained by the sudden movement which can result in serious pain and injury.
Since Halloween parties mean more impaired drivers on the road, everyone knows to be on the lookout for drivers who have been drinking. But Halloween costumes create their own kinds of issues. Drivers may be wearing masks that obstruct their vision or costumes that limit movement and control.
So be extra cautious if you are driving this Halloween. First, make sure you are not driving while impaired. Limit or avoid drinking or turn over driving duties to a sober designated driver. Don’t wear a mask while driving, and be sure your costume allows you complete, free movement. Expect the unexpected. Watch out for trick-or-treaters—or the black cat that may cross your path! And if you do have an accident—or even a close call—make sure you have the phone number for your nearest Accident and Injury. At Accident and Injury, all we do is take care of auto accident victims, so you know you are in the best possible hands. And on Halloween, you don’t want to end up in the wrong hands—cue the ghoulish laughter!
