The Tennessee Highway Patrol plans for increased visibility and enforcement efforts over the Halloween weekend to ensure troopers are promoting a safe and happy holiday.
There were reportedly a total of 18 fatal motor vehicle crashes in Tennessee during the 2024 Halloween holiday period. Four of the those fatal crashes were single vehicle crashes, ten were crashes involving multiple vehicles, and four crashes involved drunk drivers.
Pedestrian traffic dramatically increases on Halloween. Motorists are reminded to slow down and watch for children on roadways. Over the Halloween weekend in 2024, there were five pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee. That’s three more pedestrian deaths when compared to the same time in 2023.
Halloween safety tips for parents, children and motorists are listed below.
Tips for Motorists
– Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs.
– Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
– Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs. They’re excited and may not be paying attention.
– Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.
– If you are driving to a Halloween party, put your mask on after you park the car.
– Never drink and drive – tonight or any night. If you are partying, designate a driver.
Tips for Parents
– Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their “trick or treat” activities.
– Teach children to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before they cross the street.
– Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
– Use a flashlight and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume to be more visible to motorists.
– Be certain that the mask does not obstruct vision or hearing.
– Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.
Tips for Pedestrians (children and adults)
– Require children to wear retro-reflective materials and carry a flashlight at dawn and dusk and in other low-light situations, such as rainy or foggy weather.
– Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while on the street.
– Walk – never run – from house to house or across the road.
– Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
– When crossing at an intersection with a traffic light, be sure to watch for turning cars. Obey all pedestrian signals.
– Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
