Halloween is exciting, especially for kids who eagerly dress up and venture out for trick-or-treating. However, it’s also a time when drivers must be extra cautious. The National Safety Council reports that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. With streets bustling in the Portland Metro area with young pedestrians, visibility is often limited due to costumes and darkness.   The responsibility falls heavily on drivers to help keep the night safe. Here are some essential safety tips for drivers on Halloween night:

1. Slow Down and Stay Vigilant

Halloween brings increased number of pedestrians, especially children who might dart across streets unexpectedly. Reducing your speed is essential, particularly in residential areas and neighborhoods. A slower speed gives you more time to react to any surprises on the road. Be on the lookout for children who may be wearing dark costumes or those who might step onto the street between parked cars.

2. Stay Alert and Limit Distractions

Distracted driving is a common hazard, but it can be hazardous on Halloween night. Avoid any activity that takes your focus off the road, such as texting, adjusting the radio, or eating. Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes scanning for potential hazards. Kids are unpredictable, and staying alert is the best way to prevent an accident.

3. Use Your Headlights Properly

Ensure your headlights are on and functioning well, even in the early evening. Good visibility helps both you and pedestrians see each other more easily. Use low beams in neighborhoods to avoid blinding oncoming drivers and pedestrians. If you encounter a group of trick-or-treaters, be prepared to stop entirely and wait until they pass.

4. Take Extra Care at Crosswalks and Intersections

Trick-or-treaters will likely cross streets at various points, only sometimes at marked crosswalks. Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop approaching intersections and crosswalks, even if they seem clear. Remember that children may not always look both ways before crossing, especially when excited and focused on candy.

5. Do Not Drive Under the Influence

Halloween parties can tempt drivers to have a drink or two, but driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. If you plan to celebrate, arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are until you’re sober. Keeping roads safe on Halloween means making responsible choices behind the wheel.

6. Be Cautious in Driveways and Alleys

Children don’t just cross at intersections; they may come from any angle, especially between parked cars, out of driveways, or from alleyways. Before entering or exiting driveways, check both directions carefully and look for any movements from pedestrians. In parking lots, remain cautious as families enter and exit vehicles.

7. Watch for Teens and Older Trick-or-Treaters

While younger children tend to be accompanied by adults, teens might be alone, sometimes in groups that take up the entire street. Watch for any unpredictable behavior from older trick-or-treaters who may be walking in the street or crossing unexpectedly.

8. Stay Calm and Patient

With all the excitement, staying calm and patient as a driver is important. Halloween traffic can be frustrating, especially with crowds and stop-and-go driving. Accept that you’ll likely move slower and prepare for it. By staying patient, you’ll help ensure everyone has a safe Halloween experience.

Winter in Oregon can bring challenging driving conditions, especially for new drivers. Preparing your teen for the road is essential for parents of teen drivers. Snow, ice, sleet, and reduced visibility can make winter driving dangerous, but your teen can confidently handle these conditions with the proper preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your teen ready for winter driving:

1. Educate About Winter Road Conditions

First and foremost, your teen needs to understand the challenges of winter roads. Snow and ice reduce traction, making it harder to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds. Teach how bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are prone to freezing first and can be particularly dangerous. Explain how reduced visibility during snowstorms or foggy days can limit reaction time and increase the risk of accidents.

2. Ensure Proper Vehicle Maintenance

Before winter sets in, ensure your teen’s vehicle is ready for the season. Essential maintenance includes:

• Tires: Ensure the car is equipped with winter or all-season tires in good condition. Proper tread depth is vital for maintaining traction in snow and icy conditions, and winter tires provide better grip, especially in severe weather.
• Brakes: Inspect the brakes to ensure they are in top working order. Winter conditions demand responsive braking, and any wear can increase the stopping distance.
• Fluids: Check the antifreeze levels to prevent engine freezing. Additionally, top up windshield washer fluid with one that can withstand freezing temperatures and replace worn wiper blades for optimal visibility.
• Battery: Cold temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, so ensure the battery is fully charged and in good condition.

3. Teach Defensive Driving Techniques

Driving in winter demands more caution and patience. Teach your teen defensive driving techniques to minimize the risk of accidents:

• Slow down: The most crucial rule of winter driving is to reduce speed. Slower speeds give more control and increase reaction time.
• Increase following distance: On dry roads, leaving three to four seconds of following distance is common. This should be increased to eight to ten seconds in snowy or icy conditions.
• Brake gently: Slamming on the brakes can cause skidding. Teach your teen to brake gently and apply steady pressure to prevent losing control. If the car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), they should feel a pulsing in the pedal when stopping on slippery surfaces. Remind them not to panic and let the system do its job.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Rapid acceleration or deceleration can cause loss of traction. Encourage your teen to take it slow when starting from a stop or coming to a halt.

4. Prepare for Emergencies

Winter driving is unpredictable, and your teen must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Ensure their vehicle has a winter emergency kit. This kit should include:

• A blanket or warm clothing
• Extra gloves and hats
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• An ice scraper and snow brush
• A first-aid kit
• A small shovel and sand or cat litter for traction if they get stuck

Explain the importance of staying with the vehicle if they get stuck in a snowstorm, as it offers the best protection from the elements. Running the car’s engine periodically to keep warm is fine, but the exhaust pipe should be checked to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Consider taking your teen to an empty parking lot after a fresh snowfall to practice handling the vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. Allow them to experience how the car reacts to different maneuvers, such as turning, braking, and accelerating. This controlled environment will help build their confidence and hone their skills in a low-risk setting.

6. Encourage Awareness and Caution

Respecting the weather is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach your teen. Winter driving requires a different mindset than summer driving. Encourage them to check the weather forecast before heading out and to avoid driving in severe conditions if possible. If they must drive, they should leave early to give themselves extra time and avoid feeling rushed.

Winter driving can be intimidating for anyone, especially teens still gaining experience behind the wheel. By educating your teen on winter driving techniques, ensuring their vehicle is winter-ready, and encouraging them to stay calm and cautious, you’re helping them become safer, more confident drivers.