WASHINGTON, D.C., October 26, 2010 – Costumes, candy and late night adventures are customary around Halloween, and GEICO would like to add safety to that list. With so many people enjoying the holiday, it’s necessary to be cautious whether trick-or-treating on foot or behind the wheel of your car.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that the most dangerous time on Halloween for young pedestrians is between 4 and 8 p.m., prime trick-or-treating time.
Here are a few tips to help everyone stay safe and enjoy the Halloween fun:
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Drive safely and be careful passing parked vehicles as they may be stopping temporarily to let passengers get out.
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Watch for young children running into the streets; some trick-or-treaters may be out after dark and it will be harder to see them after sundown and in costumes.
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When driving, keep your cell phone out of reach so you can focus on everything going on around you.
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Slow down as there will likely be more pedestrians on the streets.
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Check that all the lights work on your car and be vigilant about using turn signals and hazard lights when stopped.
Another important reminder: Halloween is one of the most dangerous holidays on the road with two-thirds of all highway fatalities being alcohol-related, according to the DOT. Don’t drink and drive, and be sure to have a designated driver just in case.
For more safe driving tips, visit GEICO’s Auto Safety Garage at www.geicoteendriving.com.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
