Danger is common on Halloween

Halloween is usually a time for costumes, fun with friends, and huge loads of free candy. However, it is also one of the deadliest nights of the year because of drunk drivers.

There was an accident, according to a CNN report, involved three 13-year-old girls who were struck and killed by a speeding car while trick or treating in Santa Ana. Investigations indicated the car was going 50 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone, resulting in the girls being thrown more than 100 feet. KABC, a CNN affiliate, reported that the girls were declared dead at the scene. Police are searching for two male suspects who fled on foot.

Three girls were killed and the families need closure. It is understandable that these men may be scared but they need to take responsibility for their actions. Hopefully these men try to make things right not just for the families of the victims, but for themselves and their consciences.

Unfortunately this was not the only accident on Halloween night. According to the CNN affiliate KPHO five people were hit as a group by a car while trick or treating in Phoenix, Ariz. Three adults and two children were crossing the street when a car struck them. One adult suffered minor injuries while both children, ages 2 and 10, as well as a physically disabled woman and an elderly man, are in critical condition.

The driver of the car did stop and is cooperating with the authorities. I cannot understand how a driver who should be focusing on the road struck five people at once. What is taking someone’s attention to the point that they couldn’t notice a group of people crossing the street?

In Illinois a three-year-old boy was trick or treating when he ran into the street and was hit and dragged 40 feet before the driver noticed. The boy survived the incident and is recovering from injuries, and is in good condition. The driver is cooperating with authorities.

This accident had a better outcome than the first; the driver’s cooperation with authorities shows compassion for the victim as well as a self-sense of right and wrong.

All drivers, and trick or treaters as well, should be more aware and cautious of their surroundings. Drive slower in residential communities and be aware of kids. And, if an accident happens, take responsibility, do not just keep driving out of fear — the victims deserve that much.