AAA warns Halloween, end of daylight saving time raise road risks in Maryland

MARYLAND (WBFF) — With Halloween falling on a Saturday and daylight-saving time ending the same weekend, AAA is warning Maryland drivers to watch out for more children on the roads, impaired drivers and fatigue behind the wheel.

AAA says the overlap of a major holiday and the time change could mean more trick-or-treaters out after dark, as well as increased risk from tired or impaired drivers.

According to AAA Club Alliance Public and Government Affairs Manager Ragina Ali, “Drivers should expect the unexpected on Halloween night. Children can enter the roadway without warning, especially in dark costumes. Slow down, eliminate distractions and stay alert in neighborhoods.”

As festivities stretch into late hours, AAA cautions drivers about one of the deadliest hazards on Maryland roads: impaired driving. Ali said, “Halloween on a Saturday means more people may be celebrating late into the night, If alcohol or another impairing substance is part of the celebration, make the safe choice before the first drink—designate a sober driver, use a rideshare or stay overnight.”

AAA encourages drivers to slow down and keep an eye out for kids, while reminding parents and trick-or-treaters to wear costumes that are easy to see and use flashlights or glow sticks. The organization advises everyone to stay on familiar routes and cross only at corners or crosswalks.

Drivers are also urged to use headlights early, avoid shortcuts through neighborhoods and be especially careful entering or leaving alleys and driveways. AAA suggests party hosts offer alcohol-free drinks, check guests’ safe ride plans, collect keys from those who are drinking and help arrange rides or overnight stays.

The arrival of earlier sunsets after the clocks fall back can add to visibility issues. Research from the AAA Foundation found drowsy driving played a role in 18 percent of traffic deaths between 2017 and 2021. “The extra hour on the clock is not a substitute for a full night of sleep—especially after a late Halloween celebration,” Ali said.

She also explained, “Drowsiness slows reaction time, weakens judgment and can cause brief ‘microsleeps’ behind the wheel. Drivers should aim for at least seven hours of sleep, avoid medications that cause drowsiness and pull over in a safe place if they have trouble keeping their eyes open, drift from their lane or cannot remember the last few miles.”