ADOT spins haunted tale about scary Halloween traffic

PHOENIX – One of the scariest things when Halloween falls on a weekday is the ghoulish drive home when so many commuters are frightened about missing out on fun along Elm Street, Mockingbird Lane or wherever they rest their bones. Drivers make wicked afternoon plans to head to our freeways at just about the same creepy time.

The Arizona Department of Transportation doesn’t want you to go batty over the Halloween drive home. We know it can feel like a slow walk through the graveyard, especially during the witching hours of 4 to 6 p.m. Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Your mummy knows best and agrees that, while your heart may be pounding, these recommendations are sharp as Freddy Krueger’s fingernails:

• If possible, try to get an earlier start home in the afternoon to avoid the scream inducing traffic. We call that extra drive time the “It” factor.
• Be patient and recognize there’s no magic spell that can turn the traffic frog into a prince: The trick is knowing it’s likely to take longer to get home. This is no time to lose your head.
• Don’t let down your guard when you’re nearing those treats at home. Remember: Young versions of Barbie and Ken, Buzz Lightyear and those too-old-to-be-trick-or-treating teenagers will be crossing streets in your neighborhood and might not be paying attention.

The Halloween commute certainly can be a curse. Not to mention there’s baseball to be played. Speaking of going batty - we hope the Texas Rangers turn into pumpkins this week and learn “it’ll all be over soon.” Wouldn't that be a better reason to howl at the moon? ADOT wants you to be around to tell the cryptic tale all over again next year, when Halloween falls on a Thursday. Sleep and drive well, my pretty.