Many drivers may not be aware that they could be fined for making mistakes on the road over Halloween.
The spooky season sees partygoers dressed up in fancy dress costumes and parents load up their cars with excited children ready to go trick or treating. With the dark nights coming in and the roads getting colder, it is important to take extra care while driving, especially while wearing a costume.
Experts at Leasing Options have listed six top tips for driving safely. These include the driving mistakes that could risk you being fined, such as knowing how to drive safely to avoid any scary accidents.
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Here are their important tips to stay safe on the roads this Halloween.
1. Be extra vigilant
Trick or Treating is a popular Halloween activity for families, as such you should expect to see more people walking around, especially children, as we get closer to the 31st October. You should always be vigilant when driving, and even though it may be tempting to look at all of the Halloween decorations around you, you should take extra care to look out for other drivers who may be distracted and families crossing the road at Halloween.
2. Don’t drink and drive
Many people will be dressing up and attending Halloween parties this month. Although it may be tempting to drive home after you’ve had a few drinks, if you are caught, or worse cause death by careless driving under the influence, you could face up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, a driving ban for at least two years and an extended driving test before having your licence returned.
With a higher number of pedestrians out, the chance of causing an accident is higher. If you are attending an event where you will be drinking, make alternative travel arrangements.
3. Use your headlights
Clocks have gone back this weekend so it will be darker an hour earlier, so people will likely be trick or treating in the dark. Make sure you use your headlights appropriately to ensure that you are visible to other drivers and pedestrians in the dark, and so that you can see what's ahead as many people will be dressed in dark coloured costumes.
If your headlights aren’t working, not only do you risk causing serious harm to yourself and others, but you could also receive a fine of £100, or £200 for both headlights, and three penalty points. So make sure your headlights are working before Halloween.
4. Avoid spooking other drivers
It may be tempting to partake in spooky activities when driving, however if you are caught driving without reasonable consideration for other drivers or pedestrians, you could be given up to a £5,000. This includes things such as trying to spook other drivers by swerving towards them, purposefully following pedestrians or dazzling people with your lights.
5. Watch out for pranksters
Sometimes people like to opt for 'tricks' on Halloween. Just because you are in a car doesn’t mean you are safe from pranks. Popular pranks to look out for include egging, objects being thrown at cars and toilet paper. If you are egged, make sure to clean the residue off as soon as possible otherwise you risk causing permanent damage to your windows and paintwork.
If you are targeted by pranksters and cannot see through your windows, you’ll need to park in a safe place to clear the obstruction otherwise you could be fined up to £2,500 and receive three points on your licence for driving a vehicle in dangerous conditions. You may wish to keep a bottle of water in your car to help clear your windscreen just in case.
6. Don’t drive in your Halloween costume
If you drive in your Halloween costume and it affects your driving ability, you are putting yourself and others at risk, and could receive an on-the-spot fine of £100 as well as three points on your licence if caught. This can be upgraded to up to £5,000 if your driving is deemed as dangerous.
This includes, but is not limited to, masks, footwear, clothing and even things such as coloured contact lenses if they impact your vision.
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