Auto Club: Halloween Can be a Scary Night for Trick-or-Treaters and Motorists.

News Editors & Automotive/Transportation Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2002

The combination of trick-or-treaters and daylight-saving time can conjure up some potentially scary moments for drivers and pedestrians, warns the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities involving children occur between 4 and 8 p.m., prime time for trick-or-treaters.

"Trick-or-treaters are particularly at risk because they are usually out near dusk when visibility is lowest," said Carol Thorp, spokesperson for the Auto Club. "Since Halloween takes place just five days after the end of daylight-saving time, sunset will be occurring an hour earlier. The key for drivers and pedestrians is to 'see and be seen.'"

The Auto Club recommends the following trick-or-treating tips:

-- Parents or an older teen should accompany young trick-or-treaters. If a parent or adult cannot accompany children, they should trick-or-treat with a group of friends.

-- Carry a flashlight both to light the way and to make children visible to motorists.

-- If trick-or-treating at night, wear a light colored costume with reflective tape.

-- Using face make-up is safer than wearing a mask. If a mask is worn, remove it before crossing the street to improve the ability to see oncoming traffic.

-- Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance and pick well-lit streets. Parents should be familiar with streets on which children will be trick-or-treating. Children should only go to homes where residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Children should not enter homes or apartments unless accompanied by an adult.

-- Cross streets only at corners. Avoid crossing between parked cars or in the middle of the block. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.

-- Wait until arriving home to sort, check and eat treats. Parents should inspect a child's treats for suspicious or strange looking items.

The Auto Club recommends the following Halloween safety tips for motorists:

-- Stay alert for children crossing streets at all locations, not

just corners and intersections.

-- Drive slowly in residential areas.

-- Don't run red lights. Give yourself time to reach your

destination.

-- Check vehicles' headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn

signals to ensure they are in proper working condition.

-- Clean windows and headlights to improve visibility.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.