Halloween Safety & Tips for Driving at Night in Autumn

Between trick-or-treating and Halloween parties, the last day in October can often be a fun time of year. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen, especially as it gets darker this time of year and people are out at night after school or after work. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risks pedestrians or others might face as a result of a car accident as the days get shorter and the nights get longer.

This is why the National Safety Council recently put together some safety tips designed to avoid an accident this Halloween and this fall in general.

Why do accidents happen at night this time of year?

Autumn can be dangerous because of how much darker it gets during busier times later in the day. Between October and March, the most common time for fatal accidents is between 4 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. each day, according to the National Safety Council.

Throughout the year, pedestrian accidents have become increasingly common. Last year alone, pedestrian fatalities nationwide increased dramatically, even though there were fewer drivers on the road due to the pandemic. Taking into account a 13 percent decrease in traffic volume last year, the pedestrian fatality rate per mile driven soared 21 percent higher last year compared to 2019, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

What can drivers do to prevent pedestrian accidents?

Drivers can take certain steps to share the road with pedestrians and keep everyone safe this Halloween and at night this fall. Such steps include:

• Slow down in more heavily populated areas, especially if there are a lot of children out trick or treating.
• Make sure your car’s headlights are clean and aimed in the right direction. Many vehicle headlights are not properly adjusted and are aimed in the wrong direction.
• Clean your vehicle’s windows and windshield so you can see clearly at night.

These are just some of the steps drivers can and should take any time of year. The bottom line is drivers, especially in cities, need to keep a close eye on pedestrians crossing the street or walking alongside a road.

What can pedestrians do to stay safe?

If you are out trick-or-treating this Halloween or simply walking at night this fall, make sure you take certain steps to avoid an accident:

• Wear reflective clothing at night so motorists can clearly see you crossing the street or walking alongside a road.
• Use designed crosswalks and wait until there’s a “WALK” signal when crossing the street.
• If there is no crosswalk or traffic signal, cross the street in a well-lit area where drivers can clearly see you.
• If you’re taking an extended walk at night, carry a flashlight so drivers can clearly see you. Make sure to not blind drivers with your flashlight.

Such steps can help pedestrians stay safe on the road. But even the safest pedestrians can get hit by a reckless or negligent driver. When that happens, injury victims need to make sure they fully understand their rights. That’s why it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

How can a lawyer help?

You might think you don’t need a lawyer if a driver hit you or a family member while you were walking alongside a road or crossing a street. That driver clearly caused your pedestrian accident and they should be held accountable for their actions.

Unfortunately, many injury claims turn out to be complicated legal cases. Sometimes, it’s because the at-fault driver denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s their insurance company that does everything they can to reduce or even deny your injury claim.

Don’t let them push you around. Get a law firm that gets results. Talk to an experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyer at the Romanow Law Group. We know what to do because we’ve been doing this work for years throughout Western Pennsylvania. We know how to investigate such accidents and how to find the evidence you need to build the strongest possible legal case.

You deserve to be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses. Demand the money you’re entitled to after your accident. Contact our law firm and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorney who will fight for your rights, every step of the way – Romanow Law Group.