PEDESTRIANS, BE CAREFUL THIS HALLOWEEN!
This year, as you don your Halloween costumes and head outside for trick-or-treating, keep in mind that statistics show that Autumn is the deadliest time of year for pedestrians. A June 2008 report from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that Halloween (October 31st) has one of the highest rates of fatalities for pedestrians, preceded only by New Years Day. In the United States in 2006, there were 306 pedestrian fatalities in May, versus 497 in October. Be careful!
The report details NHTSA's examination of police-reported pedestrian crash deaths from 1997 to 2006. Of the cities that have the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, Chicago ranks third. Between 1997 and 2005, there were 687 pedestrian fatalities in Chicago.
The Center for Disease Control offers the following tips for a safe Halloween for pedestrians:
- Remind drivers to look out for trick-or-treaters;
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you;
- Hold a flash light to help drivers see you;
- Look both ways before crossing the street;
- Use crosswalks;
- Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic; and
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls
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