Avoid a scare this Hallowe’en, says GEM

A road safety organisation is encouraging drivers and trick-or-treaters to take extra care on any Halloween excursions tomorrow night (31 October). According to GEM Motoring Assist, risk will increase for anyone using the roads, as the clocks will just have gone back, meaning darkness will fall much earlier.

Research from the USA, where trick-or-treating has been big business for decades, shows that children are three times more likely to be hit by a driver on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Moreover, more children die from car crashes on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Darker afternoons mean it’s likely to be harder for drivers to spot youngsters out on the streets, as well as other hazards, says GEM. A spokesperson said: “Come rain or shine, you can be sure there will be youngsters trick-or-treating. We’re urging drivers to be on the look-out for children in dark costumes, some without adult supervision. Their interest in collecting chocolate and sweets is likely to take priority over their road safety considerations.

“As drivers, let’s assume we’ll be sharing the road with the occasional junior ghost, ghoul or witch – and keep a watchful eye out for them. By anticipating the presence of trick-or-treaters will help us avoid any anger and means we’re doing our bit to reduce risk for everyone around us.”