Did you know that October is National Pedestrian Safety Month?

As we get further into October and the Halloween season, we wanted to remind you to be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times, especially during low-light hours.

Here are a couple of safety tips to keep in mind when driving:

• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians;
• Use caution when driving in hard-to-see scenarios (low-light hours and times of bad weather);
• Slow down and/or stop when turning or entering at a crosswalk;
• Yield to pedestrians;
• Stop well behind the crosswalk, this gives other vehicles the opportunity to see pedestrians and stop too;
• Do not pass another vehicle at a crosswalk, there may be pedestrians present that you cannot see;
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
• Follow the speed limit;
• Be cautious when backing up. Look around for people, small children, cars and animals before proceeding backward.

In 2020 more than 6,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions in the United States. Half of those deaths occurred during low-light hours (NHTSA, 2020).

Popular Trick-or-Treat hours are between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert during those hours.

Here are some safety tips for parents and children while out Trick-or-Treating this year:

• Add reflective tape to costumes, treat buckets and/or treat bags to increase visibility to drivers;
• Make sure costumes and shoes have been tried-on before going out to make sure they fit properly;
• Check that wigs and other accessories do not obstruct the child's view;
• If masks are being used make sure that while walking to and from homes that children are removing their masks to see better, especially when crossing the street;
• Look both ways before crossing the street to make sure there is no oncoming traffic;
• Carry a flashlight;
• Make sure when crossing the street to do so at a crosswalk, do not cross the street between parked cars or mid-block;
• Always be aware of your surroundings.

Remember these safety tips to make sure you and everyone gets home safe.

Travis Legal Offices, LLC wishes you and yours a safe and happy Halloween.