Texas Pedestrian Accidents Jump 23% During Halloween

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On average, the number of Texans hit by cars spikes 23.3% during Halloween week, according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer recently looked at its Texas auto insurance claims involving pedestrians over the past five years and found a dramatic jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time. Last year, Allstate says its number of claims involving pedestrians more than doubled over Halloween week compared with the rest of 2008.

The Allstate data coincides with a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found October 31 is the second highest pedestrian death day of the year behind Fourth of July.

"Because this Halloween falls on a weekend, there may be even more kids and cars on the road later at night, potentially creating an even more dangerous situation," said Brent Walters, an Allstate agent in Beaumont. "Whether you're behind the wheel or walking with your kids, it's critical to remain alert."

Allstate, the state's second largest auto insurer, says on average, it receives 13.2 bodily injury claims involving pedestrians or bicyclists in Texas during Halloween week, compared with an average of 10.7 a week during the rest of the year.

Three Halloween Traffic Tips:

Don't Drink and Drive
If you are attending a Halloween party, designate a driver.

Don't Text and Drive
Focus on the road, not your cell phone. Neighborhoods that don't normally have pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on Halloween. Children are excited and may forget to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.

Don't Text and Walk
Children and parents should focus on traffic and not texting when trick-or-treating. Have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise children. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.