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Coalition for Vehicle Choice Chooses to be Safe This Halloween

28 October 1997

Coalition for Vehicle Choice Chooses to be Safe This Halloween

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 28 -- With all the ghosts and goblins
roaming the streets, State Coordinator Toni Barcellona wants to remind
motorists, parents and trick-or-treaters to do their part to make this
Halloween safe and fun for everyone.
    With the majority of trick-or-treaters being out after dark, it makes it
harder for motorists to see them, especially if they are wearing dark
costumes.  "Make sure you take your masks off when running from house to
house -- any kind of mask can make it harder for youngsters to see," said
Barcellona.
    Pedestrian deaths alone accounted for more than 13 percent of traffic
fatalities in the United States last year, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.  Last year, 128 people were involved in
traffic-related incidents on Halloween night.  Of those, 35 individuals were
injured fatally, and 20 were categorized as pedestrians.
    To avoid becoming a statistic, CVC recommends these tips to make your
Halloween night a safe one:
    -- It's always better to travel in a group -- besides, it's often times
       more fun.
    -- Cross the street only at intersections, not mid-block.
    -- Wear bright clothing -- make sure you are visible to motorists.
    -- Carry a flashlight -- it will help you see and be seen more easily.
    -- Follow well-traveled paths, and stay away from alleys or shortcuts
       between neighborhoods.
    -- Make sure you look both ways before crossing.

    In addition to these tips for trick-or-treaters on foot, Toni Barcellona
also reminds motorists to:
    -- Watch your speed through neighborhoods and on side streets.
    -- Look out for children darting in and out of cars.

    Older trick-or-treaters should designate a driver and remove masks when
driving.  Not only are there four times more children out on Halloween,
there are also more police officers looking for mischief-makers or
intoxicated drivers.
    "By following these tips, you can help make this Halloween both safe and
fun for everyone, young and old," Barcellona said.

SOURCE  Texas Coalition for Vehicle Choice (CVC-Texas)