With Halloween approaching Saturday, Oct. 31, and daylight saving time ending Sunday, Nov. 1, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) urges pedestrian safety as it gets darker earlier.
Drivers should be especially cautious in neighborhoods where children will be trick-or-treating. Following the time change, reduced daylight will also make pedestrians more difficult to see during the evening commute.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, with approximately 76 percent of those fatalities occurring in dark conditions. In Alabama, there were 120 pedestrian fatalities in 2024.
ALDOT encourages motorists to:
- Reduce speed and remain alert in neighborhoods, near schools and in areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
- Watch for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, especially when turning.
- Be prepared for children to enter the roadway unexpectedly.
Pedestrians can also reduce their risk by:
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing after dark.
- Using sidewalks and designated crosswalks.
- Watching for approaching vehicles.
ALDOT also reminds motorists that roadside emergencies can be more dangerous after dark. If a vehicle breaks down, drivers should pull as far off the roadway as safely possible, activate their hazard lights and call for assistance.
