Raleigh Christmas Parade to allow return of motorized vehicles under new regulations

The Raleigh City Council on Tuesday adopted a new policy that will allow motorized vehicles to once again be included in the Raleigh Christmas Parade and other events. The policy includes new age requirements for drivers and safety vehicle inspections within 30 days of the event.

City council members on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of the new policy. It officially takes effect on June 25.

Raleigh's most recent parades were held without motorized vehicles following the death of 11-year-old Hailey Brooks, who was hit by a truck while dancing in the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade.

After Brooks was killed, the city of Raleigh moved to cancel future parades. In response to complaints from the public and Brooks’ parents, the city relented, and the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Parade and St. Patrick's Day Parade were held without motor vehicles.

City leaders on Tuesday reviewed the new motorized parade policy that includes requiring parade organizers to collect and maintain records for each parade entry including proof of insurance for each vehicle and its operator, as well as signed copies of the operator safety agreement. Vehicles will be required to have undergone a safety inspection by a qualified mechanic within 30 days of the parade.

The policy requires all parade vehicle drivers to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license and liability insurance. They're also required to be well-rested and free from alcohol or drugs that would impair their driving ability for at least 12 hours prior to the event. Drivers would be prohibited from eating, smoking or using a cell phone during the parade, as it could distract them.

Drivers are also required to attend an orientation by the parade organizer within seven days of the event.

Floats and objects towed in the parade are required to have recent safety inspections done within 30 days of the parade.

"Vehicles that will carry individuals must be inspected to ensure that there are no trip hazards or exposed wires or cables on board, and that there is adequate fall prevention mitigation for all riders, such as access to a guardrail, tether, or harness for each rider. Holding onto something is better than nothing. Even riders sitting on the back of a classic convertible can wedge their feet under a lap belt if one is available," the policy states.

All vehicles towing floats must provide proof of safety equipment including "properly functioning brakes, lights, horn, steering mechanism, windows and windshield wipers, directional signals, tires, mirrors and exhaust systems."

All vehicles and trailers must also have a fire extinguisher stored securely on board.

Before a vehicle leaves the parade staging area, the event organizer must confirm that the vehicle has met 14 different requirements including functioning brake lights and horn, tires that are in good condition and that adequate mirrors are in place.

Brooks family releases statement about new changes to Raleigh Christmas Parade

Jason Miller is the attorney for the Brooks family. He released a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the family.

"Hailey’s family has been tirelessly advocating for common-sense measures to improve parade safety," Miller wrote. "These new safety protocols should have been in place years ago and could have prevented Hailey’s death.

"Hailey loved parades and took great joy in making other people happy. While these measures will not bring Hailey back, they might save another child. The family supports any measures that allow the Raleigh Christmas Parade to continue in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and attendees, as well as the enjoyment of the community."

No 'throws' for parade goers

The new policy prohibits anyone in the parade from "throwing, tossing, or launching any objects into the crowd." No candy, beads or prizes are allowed to be thrown or distributed in the parade or along the route.

The new policy was developed following feedback from parade organizers in January. It is also in response to a national organization's efforts to establish universal parade guidelines.

In February 2023, the city of Raleigh’s Office of Special Events joined the Event Safety Alliance (ESA), an organization designed to help live-event industry professionals create safe events. The group includes members from across the country representing organizations like Disney, the Rose Parade, SXSW and Kern Studios Mardi Gras World.

The organization is working to create a national standard for recommended practices related to parade safety by 2025.

"City staff has taken time over past year to go out into community go across the country find out best practices," said Raleigh Mayor Pro Tempore Jonathan Melton.

Melton noted that the new policy includes "common sense regulations that have been benched marked across the country where are parades can resume to the full extent in fun and safe manner."

With the adoption of the motorized parade policy, it paves the way for vehicles to return to parades.

Melton said small parades or events that cannot meet the new policy guidelines would still have the option to do a parade without vehicles..

Shine Like Hailey Parade Safety Act

The Brooks family has asked the courts and state legislature for stricter guidelines for parade safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Shine Like Hailey Parade Safety Act advocates for vehicle safety inspections done at least seven days prior to the parade by law enforcement or a local fire department.

It would apply to communities with a population of over 35,000 people, and anyone driving a vehicle in a parade would be required to be 25 years or old and provide proof of a recent vehicle safety inspection by law enforcement and verification of a valid drivers license and registration.

Following Brooks' death, other communities opted to go without vehicles in their parades, including Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Zebulon.

"I hope we continue to have conversation and more dialogue, just giving us updates of what's coming next or what to look forward to," Jennifer Martin with the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association said. "Hearing about how we can all work together to make events safer as a whole in city of Raleigh."