Follow these tips to ensure the safety of yourself and other's during Halloween

LOUISIANA (KLFY) — October 2022 was the deadliest month on record since 2008, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Here’s what drivers can do to prevent a repeat of last year.

Unfortunately in Louisiana over the past decade, October has consistently been one of the deadliest months of the year on the roadways. According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, approximately 544 Louisianans suffered a severe injury from a crash during the Halloween weekend in 2022. An additional 94 people were lost in roadway crashes.

LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman has tips for drivers and trick-or-treat goers as the holiday festivities kick off.

“Of course, we want everyone to enjoy the Halloween season with their families and friends,” Freeman said, “but we want to remind drivers to avoid the ‘fatal four.’ That means wear your seat belt, put your phone away, drive the speed limit, and do not get behind the wheel if you’re feeling drunk or buzzed.”

The NHTSA recommends Louisianans follow these tips when out for Halloween events.

NHTSA Safety Tips for Drivers

Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
On Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, and wait for them to pass.
Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

Tips for Pedestrians

Walk on a sidewalk if one is available and use crosswalks.
Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.

Tips for Party Hosts

Be a responsible party host and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
Serve plenty of food and provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
Prepare to call taxis, rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or if you’re sober, drive guests home yourself.

“If everyone does their part, then the scariest thing we’ll have to endure this year will be a corn maze or the inside of a haunted house,” Freeman said. “A good rule of thumb is that if you feel different, then you drive different. Everyone has a right to use the roads, so please focus when you’re out there. You have way too much to lose.”