NYSDOT OFFERS HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS & MOTORISTS

ALBANY, NY (10/30/2010)(readMedia)-- Halloween is tomorrow, and with the holiday coming on a Sunday, awareness of pedestrian safety is important for the entire day. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee today offered safety tips for parents to review with their children and advised motorist to be alert for pedestrians in the road.

"Halloween is a very exciting holiday but it is a day when there are many people walking our streets and it can be dangerous if pedestrians and motorists are not respectful of each other," Acting Commissioner Gee said. "Parents, children and motorists all need to be alert and remember that getting home safely is the top priority."

In preparation for the holiday, ensure visibility for Halloween costumes. Wear bright colors that are reflective, carry flashlights, and avoid anything that will obstruct vision. Make sure costumes fit well and do not limit mobility.

Parents and children should follow the rules of the road:

All children, but especially younger children, should stick with a group and/or be accompanied by an adult.

• Children should always be aware of cars, even when walking with adults.
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks; do not go in between cars.
• When crossing the street, obey traffic signals and sign, and be aware of surroundings.
• Walk; do not run across the streets.
• Look for well-lit and slow traffic areas to walk; avoid busy intersections or roads.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
• Be certain that the mask does not impede walking ability or obstruct vision or hearing.

It is the responsibility of pedestrians to follow the rules of the road, but it is the responsibility of drivers to be alert and give pedestrians the right of way. Children provide a particular challenge to motorists because their movements are unpredictable and they may not be alert and aware of cars in the road.

Motorist should be watchful for children and other pedestrians:

• Beware of children scurrying in between cars, roadways, and curbs.
• Be cautious when entering or exiting driveways.
• Be mindful at night of people in dark costumes who may be difficult to see.
• Be alert in residential areas where there will be heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Drivers should focus on the road and reduce distractions while driving.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.
• If you are driving in a cosutme, do not let the costume impede your driving ability. Never drive with a mask on.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/octhalloween.cfm. For more information on pedestrian safety, visit https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/local-programs-bureau/pedestrian.

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