Halloween is a notorious time for pedestrian accidents. As kids go out to trick-or-treat, it’s essential to keep them safe by paying extra attention to the festivities on the streets and sidewalks. This month, we also included in some info on ways you can help keep our city safe, as well as tips for maintaining the right frame of mind during your shift.
Halloween Safety
Studies show that accidents involving pedestrians quadruple on Halloween. Fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians (under 15 years of age) happen most frequently between 4:00pm and 8:00pm – prime trick-or-treating time. Eighty-four percent of deaths among young pedestrians occurred at non-intersection locations (indicating children are most likely to dart and dash from mid-block into the street). Halloween parties also make roads more dangerous. Two-thirds of all highway fatalities on Halloween are alcohol-related.
- Pay attention to what’s happening on sidewalks, roadways, medians and curbs.
- Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch out for children in dark clothes and costumes. Also, consider that criminals could use Halloween costumes to disguise their appearance.
- If you are the victim of children or teenagers throwing eggs at your vehicle, do not get out of your vehicle to escalate the incident. It is easier and safer to proceed to a car wash and could just be a ploy to get you out of your car to rob you.
- Learn Halloween parade routes in advance and be patient if you are delayed in traffic.
- DO NOT use a cell phone or text while driving through neighborhoods.
- Drive below the posted speed limit.
- Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention.
- Check that all lights on your car are fully operational to see and be seen.
- Don’t pass other vehicles stopped in the road. They may be dropping off children.
- If you’re driving a group of children, but remaining in the vehicle at the curb, put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
Eyes & Ears of New York
All drivers are asked to assist in our national security and lend a helping hand to our military, government agencies, FBI, Port Authority police and the New York City Police Department by reporting suspicious activities. FHV drivers spend much of their workday at airports, terminals, ports, landmarks and city streets. These are HIGH RISK areas and possible terror targets. If you see anything suspicious or anyone acting suspiciously, call Crime Watch: 718-244-4333. This will help keep all of us, and our families, safer. We need to be participants and not just bystanders in matters of national security.
State of Mind Safety Tips
Defensive Driving is a full-time effort that requires constant attention and 100% concentration.
- Late:Don’t let lateness lead to unsafe driving, which increases the risk of accidents. Always allow extra time for traffic and do your best to offer an ETA you can keep.
- Upset:Leave personal problems at home. Focus on safe driving and customer service.
- Excited:Avoid getting overly excited or angry with other motorists’ aggressions.
- Impulsive:Always scan the entire area before proceeding; never drive impulsively.
- Daydreaming:Try never to daydream when driving. Save it for when you’re parked.
- Fun:It’s OK to enjoy music but it’s best to avoid songs that might cause you to get too wrapped up lose your concentration.
