As neighborhoods in Allegheny County and across the country gear up for Halloween festivities, the Airport Corridor Transportation Association (ACTA) encourages everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.
According to PennDOT, there were 358 crashes in Pennsylvania on Halloween in 2024, resulting in two fatalities and 231 injuries. Among these, 23 involved pedestrians and 20 were due to impaired driving.
Planning a safe ride home is crucial for Halloween celebrations. If you’re attending a party, arrange transportation in advance and choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver. Remember, it’s never okay to drink and drive. If a friend has been drinking, take their keys and ensure they get home safely.
Drivers should be especially cautious during trick-or-treat events, particularly in residential areas. Children may be less attentive to traffic. Slow down, stay aware, and take extra care at intersections to ensure no children are crossing. Be vigilant for children darting into the road or walking along the streets.
Pedestrians also have a responsibility to stay safe. Make yourself visible to drivers with reflective tape, bright clothing, flashlights, or glow sticks. Use face paint instead of masks or remove masks when crossing streets to avoid obstructing vision.
PennDOT offers these additional tips for pedestrian safety:
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Children should be accompanied by a trusted adult and hold hands when crossing.
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Cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when available.
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Don’t assume drivers see you; make eye contact before crossing.
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Never dart into streets or cross between parked cars.
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Put down electronic devices and pay attention.
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Look both ways before crossing.
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Always use sidewalks; if unavailable, walk facing traffic.
For more on impaired driving or pedestrian safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.