PennDOT - District 6 News
PennDOT, Elmwood Park Zoo, Montgomery County Commissioner, Police Highlight Pedestrian Safety for Halloween
King of Prussia, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Elmwood Park Zoo, Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence, Jr., West Norriton Police Department, and safety partners held a media event today at Elmwood Park Zoo's Boo at the Zoo event to highlight the importance of pedestrian safety on Halloween.
Officials stressed the importance for motorists to be extra cautious on Halloween to look out for trick-or-treaters. Parents and trick-or-treaters were also reminded to make their costumes visible to motorists with reflective tape or glow sticks. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
"One child getting hurt on Halloween is one too many," says PennDOT District 6 Executive Kenneth M. McClain. "Drivers need to use caution, slow down and always be aware of their surroundings."
In 2018, there were 69 total pedestrian crashes from October 27 to November 4 in Pennsylvania, up from 49 in 2017.
Motorists are reminded to be extra cautious and practice safe driving behaviors to keep pedestrians safe by following these safety tips:
• Eyes should be on the road always. Avoid distractions, such as cell phone use, eating and adjusting the radio;
• Slow Down. If motorists are practicing safe speeds they are more aware of their surroundings;
• Do not drive impaired. Plan ahead before attending Halloween parties, and designate a sober driver or use public transportation to get home safely; and
• If you are out driving on Halloween night, you should be extra cautious, especially in residential neighborhoods. There will be lots of children out, who are not necessarily paying attention to you or your car.
If you are walking on Halloween, please remember PennDOT's following safety tips:
• Trick-or-treat in a group instead of by yourself;
• Carry a flashlight;
• Place reflective tape on your costume, or wear a glow stick, so drivers can see you;
• Walk on the sidewalk if one is available, or walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic;
• Never walk in between parked cars, and only visit homes with lights on;
• Always cross the street at a corner and look both ways before crossing; and
• Lift your mask while walking house to house.
To learn more about PennDOT's pedestrian safety initiatives, visit http://www.PennDOT.gov/safety.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robyn Briggs, 610-205-6799
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