Beware of Stumbling Spooks This Halloween; Statistics Show Alcohol Involved in Pedestrian Deaths.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1999--

Halloween should be a frightfully fun time of year, but it can be deadly if you're not careful.

Pedestrian accidents killed 5,220 people in the United States last year alone, and statistics show -- just like drinking and driving -- drinking and walking do not mix.

Of those killed in pedestrian accidents last year, 31 percent were legally drunk. At night, when the majority of such accidents occur, 53 percent of those ages 16 and older were intoxicated.

According to a recent study, Los Angeles County ranked as the most dangerous place in the state for pedestrians, followed by Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sacramento and Contra Costa Counties. Four pedestrians die each week in Los Angeles and one is injured every two hours. Last year, pedestrian accidents killed 41 people in San Francisco -- up from 23 the previous year.

The Western Insurance Information Service offers the following safety tips for pedestrians:

--   Never assume a car will stop for you. Make eye contact with
     drivers to ensure they see you.

--   Walk on sidewalks instead of the street.

--   Never dart out into traffic or jaywalk.

--   If you've had too much to drink, call a cab.

--   Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars,
     trucks and low-flying brooms.

Some safety tips for motorists include:

--   Stay alert and always yield for pedestrians. Keep in mind they
     may not see you and, if they've been drinking, their judgement
     may be off.

--   Use extra caution where children might be present.

--   Obey all traffic laws, including posted speed limits.

--   Don't drive if you've had too many Bloody Marys. Call a cab.

The Western Insurance Information Service is a nonprofit and nonlobbying media relations organization supported by the property/casualty insurance industry. Spokespeople are available to discuss this and other insurance and safety issues. For more information, such as pedestrian accident statistics from other California cities, or to schedule an interview, call 800/397-1679.