S.C. Highway Patrol urges Halloween safety

The S.C. Highway Patrol urges Halloween pedestrians and motorists to use caution in an effort to keep the holiday accident-free.

The patrol says with Halloween being celebrated during the weekend, there is the potential for an increase in traffic wrecks.

"There is a potential for an increase in impaired-driving deaths during a holiday that already has a high rate of alcohol-related fatal crashes," said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. "We can also expect more pedestrian traffic since some neighborhoods will trick-or-treat on Saturday, and others will observe the holiday Sunday night."

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found fatal wrecks are four times more likely to occur during Halloween evening than any other night.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found a 40 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Halloween.

The administration reported that two-thirds of all national highway fatalities on Halloween in 2003 were alcohol-related.

Motorists who attend parties should always have a designated driver or take a taxi if impaired, according to the Highway Patrol.

Holiday tips

Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods.

Drive well below the speed limit during trick-or-treating hours.

Be aware that children will be entering and exiting vehicles frequently.

Children can dart into the street, particularly at intersections. Motorists need to be alert for small children and children in dark, nonreflective clothing.

Never assume a pedestrian will yield to your vehicle.

Parents should prepare children with flashlights, glow sticks or reflective tape on their costumes.

Use four-way flashers when waiting on children. Be sure children look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at corners or crosswalks.

Make sure costumes are not too long, causing children to trip.

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

Have a grown-up inspect treats. Don't eat candy if the package is open.

INSIDE | A list of spooky Halloween weekend happenings for kids and adults in Kicks! magazine.

For local trick-or-treating times, visit MyrtleBeachOnline.com. Click on the entertainment link, and a list of times will be under the Haunted Happenings section.