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DON'T LET SAFETY "FALL BACK" Shorter days are ahead, both because we will change our clocks back an hour to Standard Time on October 31, 1999, and because the autumn days are shorter. Night driving is the most dangerous, so when the nighttime hours increase, we need to be especially vigilant as motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists. Nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes and almost one-third of fatal bicyclist crashes occur in low-light or dark conditions. Radio is an excellent way to publicize these "Fall Back" safety tips. Traffic reporters, evening rush hour news reporters and night desk editors are your best contacts. Fall Back Tips to See and Be Seen Motorists Adjust the rearview mirror to the "night" setting to avoid headlight glare. Wipe off your headlights and keep your windshield clean (inside and out). Take off your sunglasses at dusk. Don’t drive at speeds that are unsafe, especially on unlit or winding roads and when using low beams. Be mindful when using high beams. Be sure that they are turned off when another car approaches. Pedestrians and Bicyclists When walking or riding at night, wear a brightly-colored scarf, hat or helmet. Retro-reflective gear helps you remain visible to motorists. Don’t wear darker "fall" colors that make it hard for motorists to see you. Carry a flashlight or equip your bike with a light. "Stop, look left-right-left, and listen" before stepping off the curb. Don’t depend on traffic signals – look before you take your first step or cross. Avoid jaywalking and crossing from between parked vehicles. Crosswalks are safer and more visible.

KEEPING HALLOWEEN SAFE

Everyone needs to take extra care on Halloween – October 31st – when excited children in costumes are out in force. A seasonal safety message should remind all motorists to be extra careful, and remind parents to review pedestrian safety rules with their children. Alcohol consumption is also high on Halloween due to the increased popularity of adult parties. Some communities have instituted free cab ride programs on Halloween to reduce impaired driving.

Tips for Motorists

• Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully.
• Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs. They’re excited – and they are not paying attention.
• Never drink and drive – tonight or any night. If you are partying, designate a driver.

Tips for Parents

• Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their "trick or treat" activities.
• Teach children to "stop, look left-right-left, and listen" before they cross the street.
• Use a flashlight and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume to be more visible to motorists.
• Be certain that the mask does not obstruct vision or hearing.
• Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.

Tips for Pedestrians
(children and adults)

• Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while on the street.
• Walk – never run – from house to house or across the road.
• Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
• When crossing at an intersection with a traffic light, be sure to watch for turning cars. Obey all pedestrian signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.