There are certain times of year when accidents are more frequent. Halloween is one of the most dangerous holidays for minors and adults. The number of pedestrians and drivers out and about during the night has increased. It is all fun and games when everyone is having spooky fun, but little do people know danger is around every corner. Plenty of people throw Halloween parties where excess consumption of alcohol is involved, leading to a high rate of accidents involving intoxicated drivers. As the second biggest city in Texas, San Antonio isn’t spared from the high rate of motor vehicle accidents on Halloween. Knowledge is power and as you go out this Halloween it is important to be aware of the dangers so that you can keep safe while commuting on the roads and also keep safe as a pedestrian.
Drunk Driving
One of the most common causes of traffic accidents around and on Halloween is drunk driving. Drunk driving is also a huge cause for concern for the following holidays leading up to the end of the year. It is especially important to be extra careful on occasions where people might be drinking in greater quantities. This includes holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Years but can also include events like the finals during the NFL and NBA sporting events. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 44% of deaths over a period of five years, caused by traffic accidents on Halloween weekends, involved drunk driving. Despite being the second largest city in Texas, San Antonio had the highest number of DUI crashes in 2016 compared to other cities in Texas.
Drunk Pedestrians
Walking home when you have had a few drinks might be safer than driving. You’re less likely to put your life and the lives of others at risk. However, drinking lowers your inhibitions and can make you lose your focus, so walking while intoxicated isn’t ideal either. If you are planning to walk anywhere after drinking, it’s best to have someone sober who can go with you. As for cycling, it’s really best not to ride a bicycle after you’ve had a few drinks. Drinking and riding can result in a catastrophic accident. In Texas a rider can even be charged with a Driving While Intoxicated on a bike. You should also know it is against the law to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. We recommend you not to drink and drive this 2017 Halloween Holiday.
Children and Road Safety
Of course, while plenty of adults enjoy Halloween, it’s really an event meant for children. On Halloween night and on the weekend before or after, there are more pedestrians out at night. The reason for the increase of pedestrians is that many of them are kids. There are lots of urban myths surrounding children and trick or treating, such as poisoned candy. But what parents really need to worry about are pedestrian accidents. Many drunk driving accidents involve pedestrians, and many children go out trick or treating unsupervised. Minors can run into the road without looking, especially when they’re very excited about collecting candy. It’s essential for drivers to be on the lookout for any moving traffic. Also for parents to make sure their children and teenagers practice good road safety precautions.
Halloween Night
With accidents more likely on Halloween, everyone, whether driver or pedestrian, needs to be extra careful. If you’re going to a party and intending to drink this Halloween, you should make sure you have a designated driver, book a cab, or ensure that you can walk home from your gathering. It’s also important to be vigilant on the roads to watch out for other drivers who may be under the influence. If you are involved in an accident caused by someone else you don’t have to deal with it alone. It is a peace of mind knowing that if you or a loved one is injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, Davis Law Firm is here for you! We are here 24/7 to listen to your case. Our team of personal injury legal representatives offer free consultations at no risk to you. Jeff Davis is the South Texas Personal Injury Attorney that is here 4 you! Contact us today! We have offices in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville and Waco, Texas! Text and/or call the 4’s and 9’s! SA (210) 444-4444 RGV (956) 444-4444 Corpus (361) 999-9999