Triple A Offers Tipsy Taxi, Safety Tips for Halloween

Princesses, pirates, monsters, and ghosts will be filling the streets of Walnut Creek and other neighborhoods across the country to celebrate Halloween, and AAA wants to remind parents to be extra vigilant of the potential dangers facing children while they trick or treat.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, October 31 is the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. Statistics show the number of deaths among young pedestrians from 5 to 14 years of age is four times higher on Halloween, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

“Children are always at greater risk as pedestrians because of their shorter stature and unreliable judgment about when and where to cross streets,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “By slowing down, watching for trick-or-treaters who may cross between cars and choosing a sober designated driver, you could be saving a life.”

For those who failed to designate a driver, AAA's Tipsy Tow Program will offer a free tow for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on Oct 31, to 6 a.m. on Nov. 1, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.

Members and non-members alike can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to10 miles.

“Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow,’ and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”

AAA Safety Halloween Tips for Parents and Drivers:  

• Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present.
• Slow down. According the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they are hit by a car traveling at 35 compared to 25 miles per hour. What seems like a small difference – just 10 mph – can be the difference between life and death.
• Drive sober. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths, resulting in an average of one death every 45 minutes. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink.
• Trick-or-treat together. AAA recommends that parents accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12 years old.
• Make a plan. Review trick-or-treat safety precautions and plan the route ahead of time. Remind children never to cross the street mid-block or between parked cars. 
• Check costumes. Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision and opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks. Adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping and add reflective material to keep kids safe.
• Buckle up. Always use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.

AAA offers a detailed list of Halloween safety tips for motorists, parents and kids, aswell as other traffic safety information at www.aaa.com/saferdriving