Car Care for Haunted Roads: Essential Tips for Safe Halloween Driving
With Northefield’s Halloween night forecast predicted to dip to about 40 degrees, you won’t have to face a winter weather advisory like last year, but that doesn’t mean the roads are scare-free. A 2019 study found that the risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween compared with other evenings.
As trick-or-treaters take to the streets, follow a few precautions to keep you, your passengers and those little ghosts, witches and Dr. Dooms safe this spooky season.
Neighborhood Safety Tips for Halloween Driving
If you go out on Halloween night, be prepared for more significant than average foot traffic, especially if you’re hitting any of Cleveland or Northfield’s most desirable trick-or-treating neighborhoods. This year, heed the following tips for drivers venturing into crowded neighborhoods:
- Keep your guard up. Be on high alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians in areas where you may not usually see foot traffic.
- Slow down. Slower speeds save lives. Slow down and scan the road before making turns or moving through intersections.
- Scan the road. Excited kids tend to forget their safe crossing rules. Anticipate that they may dart into the street unexpectedly.
- Limit distractions. Put your phone away. Phone use and driving are never a good combination, and this is especially true on Halloween. You may also want to limit other distractions like the radio or excessive talking.
- Speak up. If you see a driver who appears to be under the influence, call law enforcement.
Halloween Party Tips
Don’t ditch safe driving practices after the last little ghoul is tucked into bed. Adult parties will likely still be raging into the wee hours. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatal car crashes increases on Halloween as compared to other nights, and nearly half of Halloween night crashes involve drunk drivers.
The NHTSA offers the following safe driving tips for would-be party-goers and hosts on Halloween night.
- Make a safe drinking plan. Before the party gets started, make a plan to return home safely. This could mean choosing a designated driver or pre-booking a rideshare service or cab.
- Don’t drink and drive. If you choose to drink any amount of alcohol, don’t drive. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving ability.
- Be the host with the most. If you’re hosting a party, be sure everyone gets home safely. If you sense a guest is impaired, offer to find them an alternate way home.
- Be the key keeper. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
- Keep alcohol out of it. Consider throwing a sober party or offering non-alcoholic options for those who prefer to not drink (including designated drivers).
Be Prepared, Not Scared
If you haven’t already scheduled your fall maintenance tune-up, now is the time. Before the snow starts to fly, bring your car in for a winterization check. In addition to doing an oil change and overall inspection, our technicians will check the lights, brakes and tires to ensure everything is working properly.
Headlights and brake lights are critical for visibility, with trick-or-treaters darting across streets, and healthy tires give you the traction you need on those chilly, damp roads.
Fall Car Care Checklist
- Check the battery. Have your battery tested before winter weather sets in. If needed, replace the battery.
- Inspect the tires. Tires should have enough tread to take on icy and snowy streets. Consider winter tires for even more traction.
- Top off fluids. Now’s the time to fill up on washer fluid, coolant and oil for the coming colder months.
- Replace wiper blades. Swap out old blades to ensure clear visibility even in the midst of sleet and snow.
- Check the lights. Make sure headlights, brake lights and turn signals are in working order.
- Check the brakes. Brake failure is not an option on wet, icy roads.
- Test the heater. Don’t get stuck in sub-zero temps with a heater that’s blasting cold air.
- Evaluate belts and hoses. Now’s a good time to inspect your car’s belts and hoses for cracks, breaks or weakness.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Stock your car with emergency supplies like a flashlight, canned heat, matches, blankets, extra food and water, and jumper cables. Don’t forget to refill your first aid kit as well.
Here’s to a safe and happy Halloween! Make an appointment today at your nearest Boyce Auto, and we’ll make sure your car is ready for spooky season and beyond.
Up Next: How Often Should You Replace Your Car’s Brake Pads and Rotors?
