ALL Allstate Corporation

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of Texans hit by cars spikes an average of 22% during Halloween week when compared to the rest of the year, according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer looked at its Texas auto insurance claims involving pedestrians from 2003-2009 and found a jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time.

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.

Over the past two years, when Halloween fell on a weekend, the number of claims involving pedestrians hit by cars jumped even higher to 23% when compared with the rest of the year.

"With Halloween on the weekend again and with the World Series, football games and other events going on across the state, there may be even more cars on the road at night, potentially creating more dangerous situations," said David Christopher, an Allstate agent in Texas. "Whether you're behind the wheel or walking with your kids, it's critical to remain alert."

Halloween Traffic Tips:  

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.

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 Drink and Drive

Always designate a driver.

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®.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation