Be seen on Halloween

Halloween is almost here, and with it comes an increase in pedestrians walking in Georgia neighborhoods. The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is sharing anticipated October 31 rush hour travel forecasts for interstates and surface streets around metro Atlanta so drivers can adjust their Halloween plans accordingly.  Whether you are trick or treating with kids or celebrating with adults, Georgia DOT is reminding everyone to use extra caution whether you are driving or walking on Halloween night.  Georgia DOT is forecasting an earlier-than-normal start to rush hour on Halloween with rush hours expected to begin around 2pm in some areas of metro Atlanta. Traffic volumes are expected to be 100-300% higher than normal between 12-4am on November 1. Motorists should use extreme safety traveling from late night celebrations. Because it is assumed that many traditional in-person celebrations of Halloween will resume this year, predictions are based on Halloween travel volumes from 2018 and 2019 prior to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  Estimated times for heaviest traffic on Interstates: 4-6pm on I-75 south of I-675, 2-4pm on I-85 north of I-75 split, and normal traffic volumes expected on all other routes.  Estimated times for heaviest traffic on Surface Streets: 2-4pm in Downtown Atlanta and East Atlanta, 3-5pm in Buckhead and Northeast Atlanta, 4-6pm in Northwest Atlanta and West Atlanta, and 4-8pm in South Atlanta.  Georgia DOT is doing its part for pedestrian safety through improved medians, crosswalks, pedestrian signals and added lighting, but we can’t do it alone.  Traffic counts show that Halloween night in Georgia is typically more hazardous for pedestrians. 53% of pedestrian crashes on Halloween night occur between 6:00 pm – 12:00 am – Driver’s should use extra caution during this time period due to increased pedestrian activity.  40% of pedestrian crashes happen outside of the intersections or crosswalks and sidewalks on Halloween Night.  57% of pedestrian crashes happen after daylight, and 80% of pedestrian fatality crashes happen after daylight.  Only 1% of pedestrian-related crashes occurring on Halloween night used a flashlight or other illumination devices.  According to Georgia DOT crash data from 2013-2021.  Whether you are a party host, motorist or pedestrian, we have compiled a list of Halloween safety tips below to help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday.  For those who’ve been drinking or plan to drink; designate sober drivers and walking buddies; and be prepared to call taxis or rideshare services to get home.  Slow down and stay alert for walkers, especially in residential areas.  Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.  Always walk on a sidewalk if one is available.  See and be seen. Make sure drivers see you and stop before walking in front of a vehicle.  Don’t let friends or family walk alone after drinking. Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.  Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.  Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.  Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.  Use a flashlight while walking at night.  Georgia DOT’s SEE & BE SEEN campaign, aims to make it safer to walk in Georgia. Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and people on foot. Walkers and drivers: Pay attention. Walkers: Make sure you can SEE & BE SEEN. Drivers: Slow down (speed kills).