AAA has reminders for a safe Halloween

As Halloween approaches, AAA South Dakota is reminding kids, parents, and party goers of the dangerous traffic safety concerns associated with the holiday. Increased pedestrian activity and the potential for impaired driving converge this week as Halloween activities begin on the holiday itself and in some cases into the upcoming weekend.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA South Dakota, urges parents to take the time to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists In addition, he says motorists must eliminate distractions, slow down and watch for children, as well as have a completely sober designated driver if drinking as part of a Halloween celebration.

AAA says some good reminders for kids are to stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible. Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street. Watch for cars turning or backing up. And, cross streets only at the corner.

Madison’s Trunk or Treat on Egan Ave. will be held Thursday from 4 to 5:30pm.

There is also a free Trick-or-Treat event at the DSU Library Thursday night from 5-7pm.