NDOT/NHP offer Halloween traffic safety tips

Courtesy Nevada Department of Transportation

With a total of eight traffic deaths and 757 crashes during the past five Halloweens in Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Department of Public Safety are reminding drivers and pedestrians to be safe on the road this Halloween and every day.

For enhanced safety, NDOT and NHP reminds drivers and pedestrians to always focus on and share the road. Pedestrians should cross the street legally, making eye contact with drivers and waiting for drivers to stop before crossing. Pedestrians should also make themselves visible, whether wearing a reflective costume on Halloween Day or reflective gear on other days.

Drivers should always watch for pedestrians and yield when necessary. This is particularly true on Halloween night, when young trick-or-treaters are out in force. Drivers are also reminded to never drive impaired. Please make sure children do not ride with anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol. Those planning to drink should choose a designated sober driver in advance.

Overall, there have been 260 traffic deaths in Nevada this year, 26 more fatalities than the same time last year.

Traffic safety information is available at zerofatalitiesnv.com.

Drivers

• Use caution while behind the wheel.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Drive sober or get pulled over.
• Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating Halloween with alcohol or other intoxicants.
• Use your community’s sober ride program or take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement or *NHP.

Pedestrians

• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Keep kids safe.
• Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
• Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
• Remember, everyone is a pedestrian at some time.
• Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross