AAA New Mexico: Be Seen This Halloween

ALBUQUERQUE, NM--(Marketwire - October 23, 2008) - Halloween is around the corner and trick-or-treaters will be in the neighborhoods collecting candy. Recent studies have shown motor vehicle fatalities tend to rise when Halloween is on a Friday or weekend. AAA New Mexico urges parents to consider several safety tips before their child goes out trick-or-treating.

"Both motorists and pedestrians should take extra caution and make sure this is a safe and happy Halloween for everyone," said AAA New Mexico spokesperson Sarah Schimmer.

The National Confectioners Association reports 93 percent of children are expected to trick-or-treat this year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nationally Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Parents can reduce the chances of their child being involved in a motor vehicle crash by doing some planning in advance:

Trick-or-Treaters & Parents

--  Select highly visible costumes. Look for light, bright and reflective
    costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape to
    costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility.
--  Ensure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play
    in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes
    loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that wigs or other
    accessories do not obstruct the child's view.
--  Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules
    in the review such as stay on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks,
    avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars and stop at
    driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out.
--  Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas
    with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks.
    Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger
    trick-or-treaters.
--  Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help trick-or-
    treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at someone's eyes
    including those of passing motorists.
    

AAA New Mexico reminds the community to stay safe during holiday festivities. AAA offers an in-depth list of Halloween safety tips for parents and kids online at www.AAA.com/publicaffairs.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA New Mexico can be visited on the internet at www.AAA.com.

Contact Information: Contacts: Dan Ronan Statewide/Dallas Ronan.dan@aaa-texas.com danronan@sprint.blackberry.net 469-221-8217 office 469-583-7070 cell Sarah Schimmer Houston Schimmer.sarah@aaa-texas.com 713-284-6552 office 281-797-7886 cell