Be careful tonight.
That admonition is common for a Halloween night, but needs to be hammered home more than usual tonight.
That is because Halloween this year falls on a Friday.
Nebraska Office of Highway Safety Administrator Fred Zwonechek says when Halloween falls on a Friday, it creates a more dangerous situation than normal.
“We have more alcohol-related collisions involving pedestrians, because of Halloween and people going out and celebrating on Halloween (on a Friday),” Zwonechek tells Nebraska Radio Network.
Children out trick-or-treating often wear dark costumes, making it more difficult to see them. The masks children wear can make it more difficult for them to see. Also, children looking for candy aren’t necessarily looking both ways when they cross a street.
All that makes for the normal dangers on Halloween.
Then, throw in Friday.
Halloween on a Friday invites adult parties with adult beverages. Zwonechek says national studies indicate the number of Halloween parties thrown by adults rises dramatically when Halloween falls on Friday. He worries many of those will celebrate too much before slipping in behind the wheel.
Caution is the key.
“It’s one of those times to make sure that if you have young children and you’re taking them out, makes sure you are going with them. If you’re out there driving, you have to be looking for them,” Zwonechek says. “With that in mind, again, drivers pay attention; pedestrians that are out there need to pay attention as well.”