ALDOT Issues Halloween Pedestrian Safety Warning

Halloween weekend is almost here, and while families are preparing costumes, stocking up on candy and getting ready for trick-or-treating, there's one thing that deserves just as much attention: safety.

With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, and daylight saving time ending Sunday, November 1, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is reminding drivers and pedestrians to be especially careful on Alabama roads. And with the clocks falling back an hour, those evening commutes are about to get a whole lot darker.

According to ALDOT, reduced daylight can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially in neighborhoods, school zones and other areas where people frequently walk.

The concern is particularly important on Halloween night, when children and families will be walking through neighborhoods collecting candy.

The numbers show why taking a few extra precautions matters.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. Approximately 76 percent of those fatalities happened in dark conditions. Here in Alabama, 120 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic crashes that same year.

ALDOT is encouraging motorists to slow down and remain alert, especially in residential neighborhoods and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

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Drivers should pay close attention at intersections and crosswalks, particularly when making turns, and be prepared for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

Pedestrians also have a responsibility to help keep themselves safe.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can make people easier to see after dark. ALDOT also recommends using sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible and watching carefully for approaching vehicles.

The agency is also reminding drivers that roadside emergencies become more dangerous when visibility is limited.
Anyone experiencing a vehicle breakdown should pull as far away from traffic as safely possible, activate their hazard lights and contact roadside assistance.

Whether you're taking the kids trick-or-treating, heading home from work or traveling around West Alabama, a little extra caution could make a big difference.

With Halloween festivities and earlier sunsets arriving during the same weekend, ALDOT's message is simple: slow down, stay alert and look out for one another.