With Halloween fast approaching, the Car Care Council reminds motorists to drive slowly, especially through neighborhoods, to be extra careful when entering or exiting driveways, and to make sure their vehicle’s brakes, lights and wipers are working properly for a safe Halloween.

“Motorists can help keep young pedestrians safe on Halloween by reminding children of basic safety rules, taking extra precautions when driving through neighborhoods, and inspecting vehicle safety items, like brakes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With daylight savings time on the horizon, October is also an ideal time to check vehicles lights and wipers to ensure maximum visibility.”

Check Your Windshield

A dirty windshield may look spooky but does not help to see children crossing the street. If the weather turns, cracked or torn wipers will also pose a problem to visibility. Check that all your lights are working for maximum performance and visibility on Halloween. This year the end of daylight saving time is after Halloween and that means children will likely be trick-or-treating at dusk when the sky is still bright, yet objects on the road can merge with shadows and fade into darkness.

Check Your Brakes

A vehicle’s brake system is the most critical safety item on a vehicle, but brakes wear out and eventually need replacement. Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repairs, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to more costly repairs.

Note to Parents

“Parents should remind their little ghosts and goblins to get out of cars on the curb side, not the street side, to stop at all corners and to use crosswalks,” continued White. “Children should look left, right and left again before crossing, stay on sidewalks, avoid crossing through yards, and wear bright, reflective and flame-retardant clothing.”

reprinted from the Car Care Council. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.