With Halloween approaching and daylight saving time ending, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) advises drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety. The shift to earlier sunsets and an increase in pedestrian traffic during Halloween increase the need for heightened caution on the roads. Children are more likely to be hit by a car and killed on Oct. 31 than any other day of the year, according to the National Safety Council.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted the impact of Halloween festivities, which will extend through the week with parties, parades, and trick-or-treating. “Halloween brings great excitement for children and increased pedestrian traffic on the roads,” Elrich said. “I urge motorists to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. For those celebrating with alcohol or marijuana, plan ahead and don’t drive while impaired.”
To support a safe Halloween, MCDOT provides the following tips for drivers:
- Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
- Slow down and scan the road. Reduced speeds save lives.
- Watch for young trick-or-treaters who may unexpectedly dart into the street.
- Report any drunk drivers by calling 911.
For those celebrating with alcohol, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) SoberRide® initiative will partner with Lyft to offer a safe alternative. From 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, until 4 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, SoberRide® will provide a limited number of codes for $15 off a Lyft ride. The promo code will be available at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at wrap.org/soberride.
MCDOT Director Chris Conklin also urged drivers to exercise caution as daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, leading to darker evening commutes. “The earlier sunsets make this a more dangerous time of year for pedestrians,” Conklin said, adding that serious pedestrian collisions tend to increase in the fall. The National Safety Council warns that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Conklin advised drivers to plan trips before dark or delay until trick-or-treating ends. He also encouraged families to use crosswalks, sidewalks, and reflective materials on costumes to enhance visibility.
