drive safe

Beware! The chances of children being hit by a car are much higher on Halloween night than any other night of the year.

Drivers need to take special precautions and watch out for young pedestrians on Halloween night.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that there are more than four times the average number of deaths for children between the ages of five and fifteen due to pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents on Halloween. Try to avoid venturing out in your car during this time, but if you have to, beware of the dangers and be very, very careful.

Tips for Drivers:

• Keep in mind that children may have very limited visibility due to the restrictions of their costumes. Don’t assume that they see you.
• Stay below the posted speed limit and never exceed 25 mph in any area where there might be trick-or-treaters, even if the posted speed is higher.
• Don’t pass other vehicles on the road that may be slowing down for trick-or-treating pedestrians. You may not see the kids, or they could be picking up or dropping off children.
• Please use added caution at intersections to look out for children who may be crossing the roadway.
• NEVER use your cell phone, navigation system, sound system, or other distracting devices while in a residential area that may have trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians.

Tips for the Parents:
Here are some reminders to help them stay safe and out of trouble.
• Warn children to cross the street only at intersections. More than half of child pedestrian casualties involve children darting into the street between intersections.
• Instruct children to always walk facing traffic, avoid trick-or-treating on busy streets.
• If a costume is particularly dark or camouflages with surroundings, apply reflective stickers or tape to make your child more visible to drivers.
• Have children carry a flashlight or glow stick while walking between houses to enhance visibility.
• Also, make sure children can see out of their costumes. Avoid using masks that may impair the child’s vision.
• Walk with your children or assign a chaperone if possible.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

Do you travel with your pet?  Is your pet properly restrained?  For most people, the answer to the second questions is probably, “No.”  While most people understand the importance of wearing a seatbelt, dogs are frequently let loose throughout the cabin as the driver cruises along.  This poses severe risks for both the driver and the pet.

 

Whatever the reason your pet might be traveling with you, whether you’re just going for a short ride or taking your pet with you on vacation, you want to make sure you keep your animal safe and secure in your vehicle.  An unrestrained pet can be a distraction, and can cause further safety risks in the event of a crash.

 

It’s estimated that tens of thousands of accidents are caused by unrestrained pets.  Unfortunately, there is no definite data because the records for these accidents only indicate that the driver was distracted, and don’t specify the cause.  Furthermore, it’s up to the driver to indicate that the pet caused the distraction.

 

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drive with your pet at all.  At Penske Automotive, we understand you want to keep your pet at your side.  Just make sure that you follow these tips to keep your dog – and yourself – safe on the road.

 

Driver Safety

It’s obvious to many lawmakers that cell phones cause dangerous distraction when drivers call or text.  However, pets can be just as distracting.  When you’re on the road, your dog might bark, pace and jump around the cabin, paw at you, and even crawl down by your feet.  Just as you wouldn’t want your children yelling and bouncing around the car, you should also want your pet safely secured.

 

Your pet not only can cause distraction, but can also become a dangerous projectile during an accident.  It can hit other passengers, or cause another crash if it runs away from the accident.

 

Pet Safety

The dog is “man’s best friend,” so naturally you don’t want them getting sick or injured.  If you’re planning on take your dog with you, feed them hours before you leave, instead of right before.  Many pets get car sick, and you don’t want to have to clean it up or be distracted.

 

Make sure your pet is properly secured in your vehicle. Don’t let your pet ride with its head sticking out the window.  They might like it, but it can be especially dangerous.  They might step on the power window button, or could get hit by something outside the car.

 

The dangers aren’t just unique to when the car is in motion.  If you stop at a rest area, don’t leave the dog alone in the car.  If it’s hot outside, your pet can get overheated.  On the other hand, if you leave your window open to try to keep them cool, you run the risk of your pet being stolen or jumping out of the vehicle.  If you do take your pet out for a walk at a rest area, make sure they are secure in a leash or harness, and never let them run loose.

 

Some states are starting to implement laws and fines preventing people from driving with unrestrained pet.  Unfortunately, it’s not a top priority; lawmakers try to go after bigger issues. It’s up to you to keep yourself and your pet safe.