Pedestrians who regularly walk on or near public roads never know when they might cross paths with a dangerous driver. Pedestrian crashes can happen at 10:00 a.m. on a Tuesday or after a fun night out at the bar late one Saturday night. Joggers can get hit while running on the shoulder of a rural road, and child pedestrians headed to school can end up struck by vehicles in a plainly-marked crosswalk.
Still, there are certain trends that become evident when people look at reports from thousands of pedestrian crashes. In fact, researchers have determined that there is one day that is far more dangerous than any other for underage pedestrians. This is especially concerning for those in California, which is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians.
When are deadly pedestrian crashes most likely to occur?
Halloween is a dangerous day for young people
According to an analysis of pedestrian crashes, Halloween sees twice as many deadly pedestrian incidents involving children as any other day throughout the year. Young people have an elevated risk of preventable tragic crashes on Halloween. Numerous factors contribute to the level of risk.
The sheer number of young people who might be out in the streets trick or treating is one contributing element. The tendency of young people to be on the road during twilight and after sunset in dark costumes is another issue that contributes to the overall risk.
Combine that with the tendency of adults to use alcohol to celebrate holidays, and that creates a recipe for a tragedy. It is worth noting that adult pedestrians may see the highest degree of risk around the New Year’s holiday, which is another statistic likely related to alcohol consumption habits.
Children shouldn’t have to give up trick-or-treating just to limit their risk of a crash. Instead, parents may want to supervise them, even from a distance, as they go door to door in search of candy. They may also want to encourage children to wear or carry light sources and to be cautious when crossing the road. Small changes in behavior can help reduce the risk of a preventable pedestrian crash.
Understanding what factors contribute to pedestrian-car collision risk and when the roads are most dangerous can help people protect themselves and their loved ones. Focusing on visibility and safety during particularly dangerous times can potentially save someone’s life.