From ghosts, ghouls and goblins, there’s plenty of things to keep an eye out for on Halloween night. While people across the country will be out and about trick or treating or attending parties, drivers need to be extra vigilant. With holidays and other events such as Halloween, where pedestrian traffic is likely to increase, it also increases the risk of a potential accident or other serious issues.

So before you put on your scariest costume, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for Halloween night with these safe driving tips.

Safety Tips for Drivers on Halloween

While you should follow safe driving practices every time you get into your vehicle, holidays like Halloween can present some unique challenges for drivers. For those in the suburbs, less street lighting and other factors can increase the risk of an accident or injury if you aren’t driving carefully.

To help better prepare you for your Halloween commute, follow these safe-driving tips:

1. Don’t Pass Stopped Vehicles: While it may seem okay to pass a stopped vehicle that’s pulled over to the side of the road, it’s best to be cautious. On a day/evening like Halloween, children, teens, and even adults could be exiting the vehicle to attend their holiday celebrations. Instead, treat all stopped vehicles like you would a school bus and stop and wait for all occupants to exit if a vehicle stops in front of you.
2. Always Use Your Turn Signal and Hazard Lights: Letting other vehicles and pedestrians know your intentions while driving can help avoid accidents or other serious incidents. Always use your vehicle’s turn signals before making any turn or changing any lanes. Using your hazard lights when pulling over to park or drop off individuals can also help make other drivers aware of your vehicle.
3. Pull In and Out of Driveways Slowly: With Trick or Treating as the go-to celebration on Halloween, chances are you’ll be having visitors coming up and down your street throughout the day. When getting ready to head out, always be sure to pull out of your driveways slowly, looking both ways as you go. This can help you stay more alert for possible pedestrians and children. If you live in a city, be sure always to pull in or out of alleys, parking spaces, and other areas slowly. Using your car’s horn can also come in handy if you find yourself in an area with low visibility, as it will indicate to other cars and pedestrians of your presence.
4. Avoid Distracting Costumes: While dressing up is a Halloween tradition, be sure to keep in mind any aspects of your costume that could distract you while driving. This includes any masks, eyewear, facepaint, other costume accessories that can impair your vision while driving. Instead, finish getting ready once you arrive at your destination. This should also hold true if you are unable to buckle your seat belt correctly when in costume. Be sure also to make a note of your passengers’ costumes. If they get in the way of your vision, such as blocking the view to your blind spots or rearview mirror, see if they can remove the item or shift how they are seated until you have clear lines of sight.
5. Avoid General Distractions: It may be tempting to snack away at your favorite candy, but even eating can take your eyes off of the road or too long. Instead, look to avoid general distractions while on the road on Halloween, including using your cell phone or other electronic devices.
6. Keep Your Windshield Clean: Even without any distractions, having a dirty or cracked windshield can be just as dangerous. Be sure to clean off your car’s windshield or get any chips, cracks, or other damages repaired before driving this Halloween.
7. Check Your Brakes: Malfunctioning or faulty brakes or brake pads can be dangerous. Make an appointment with a local repair facility or ASE Certified technician, and be sure your brakes are ready for your Halloween drive.
8. Check Your Tires: Just as your brakes are essential, so are your vehicle’s tires. Check to make sure your tires have the proper tire pressure (also known as PSI), per your owner’s manual, to help you avoid a potential tire blowout. You should also check your tire tread. Simply take a penny and place it in the groove of your tire’s tread with President Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, you should look at getting a new set of tires.
9. Keep Your Headlights On: Similar to using your turn signals and hazards, your headlights should also always be on. This should include dusk, when there still may be natural light, as well as when you are parked. Keeping your headlights on and others like your brake lights and hazards can help signal to cars that your vehicle is there, and passengers are present.

Help get your vehicle Halloween-ready and protect yourself from costly repair bills with an EnduranceAdvantage™ vehicle protection plan. Each EnduranceAdvantage package provides comprehensive breakdown protection and also comes with up to $3,500 in regular maintenance service. That means essential services such as tire rotations, alignment checks, and engine diagnostic exams are all covered. EnduranceAdvantage customers can also receive special, one-time services like either a front or rear wiper blade set replacement, a brake pad/shoe replacement, or a new battery — at no additional cost.

Fun Ways to Celebrate with Your Vehicle

Believe it or not, your car, truck, or SUV could help make a good Halloween even better! Here are some fun things you can plan this Halloween with your vehicle:

• Decorate It: Who says your car can’t get a costume? Break out some (washable) paint, craft up some spooky accessories and see what you can come up with for your vehicle. Some popular ideas are often placing a plastic skeleton in the passenger seat or painting the vehicle to look like a pumpkin.
• Set Up a Halloween Parade: Once your car is decorated, why not show it off? Better yet, get the whole neighborhood involved! Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors and put together a Halloween parade to show off your spookiest and cleverest decorations on your vehicles.
• ‘Trunk’ or Treat: Don’t let the fun stop at a parade! Once everyone’s had a chance to show off their vehicles, it’s time for some ‘Trunk or Treating.’ Thinking of it as a Halloween version of tailgating, you can use your decorated car’s trunk to set up displays and other decorations that allow trick or treaters to walk up and fill up their bags with candy — all while staying socially distant.
• Find Fun Houses: Another great way to take in the best that Halloween has to offer is by using your vehicle to find the craziest decorations in your (or nearby) neighborhood(s). Be sure to check with your local park district or other public offices, as some may have competitions for the best Halloween displays!

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Halloween

For those traveling by foot this Halloween, it’s also essential for you to stay alert and to follow safety precautions. To help you stay safe while Trick or Treating, be sure to follow these tips:

1. Walk On The Sidewalks: While it may be easier to get from house to house by cutting across streets, it’s important to always stay on the sidewalk when able. If you cannot walk on a sidewalk, be sure always to walk facing oncoming traffic and to remain as far away from the road as you can. This allows you to keep an eye on all incoming vehicles while allowing drivers to have a better line of sight to you as well.
2. Follow All Signals at Crosswalks: Like using the sidewalks, it’s also vital to follow all the signs while at crosswalks. Wait for the traffic light to turn red and for any pedestrian crossing signals to turn green before crossing the street. With stop signs, be sure all vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing.
3. Be “Visible”: Some of the best costumes can often be some of the most difficult for drivers to see. Keep yourself and those around you safe by staying visible for drivers when Trick or Treating. This includes wearing brightly colored costumes or using things like reflective vests, flashlights, or even glow sticks to help keep drivers aware of your presence while on the road.
4. Don’t Get Distracted: Just as it’s essential to be alert while driving, staying clear of any distractions around busy roads is also vital for any pedestrian. Put away the phone, keep your eyes on the road around you, and enjoy the night!

Protect Your Vehicle Year-Round with Endurance

Whether you’re on your way to a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or your daily commute, protect yourself and your vehicle from unexpected breakdowns and repairs with an Endurance auto protection plan. You can also have even more peace of mind when it comes to your car’s maintenance needs with up to $3,500 in regular maintenance benefits with an EnduranceAdvantage protection plan.

New Endurance customers will also receive 1 year of Endurance Elite Benefits for FREE with the purchase of any plan. That means you can have extra perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, key fob replacements, and more. Customers will also have access to the Endurance Mobile app, allowing you to see all of the key aspects of your plan right in the palm of your hand.

For more information about any Endurance protection plan, call 866.918.1438 or request a free online quote. You can also visit the Learning Center to find more fun, informative and exciting articles on a variety of different topics.