COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is here to remind parents, children and motorists about safety tips on the roads this upcoming Halloween.
According to the Highway Patrol, pedestrian-involved crashes have been on the incline for the past five years, with 13,796 occurrences between 2015-2019. Of those crashes, 664 resulted in fatalities and 12,832 injuries to pedestrians. Half of the fatal crashes were a result of pedestrians crossing the street improperly.
"Halloween is always a fun night for our youth, but this year, as kids and parents focus on maintaining social distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, families crisscrossing the streets must also remember to remain vigilant and watch out for cars," said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. "Motorists should also be cognizant of the increased pedestrian traffic and remember to watch for children going place to place."
Some safety tips from the Highway Patrol include:
- Walking on sidewalks whenever they are available. When there is no sidewalk available, walk facing traffic as far from the edge of the roadway as possible.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and costumes and carry a flashlight.
- Pedestrians should cross streets where motorists expect them to, follow all pedestrians signs and signals. Never assume a driver can see you.
- Motorists should slow down and use caution in residential areas.
- Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Parents, trick-or-treaters and those passing out candy should carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.