Halloween Safety Tips

While this year has seemed to play out like a classic horror film with the coronavirus wreaking havoc through most of 2020, Halloween will still continue – just maybe not in the traditional ways we’re used to. As cities and towns across the country brace for more subdued events, it’s still important to keep safety in mind when it comes to the spooky holiday.

Here are some tips to help keep young trick-or-treaters and motorists safe this Halloween:

Parents:

• If your community participates in trick-or-treating this year, plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow. Always know where your kids are going.
• Accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until they can safely and confidently navigate the streets on their own.
• Have children wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision.
• Make sure costumes are the correct fit and watch the length of costumes to help avoid tripping.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks, use reflective tape, and wear light clothing to help see and been seen by motorists

Motorists:

• Avoid cutting through residential areas, if possible.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5mph below the posted speed limit to give you enough time to react to children who may dart across the street.
• Be alert for children walking on roadways. Children are harder to see at night and dark costumes will make spotting them even harder.
• Turn on headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
• Drive sober. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths resulting in an average of one death every 45 minutes. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink.
• Avoid distractions, like picking up your phone, changing the radio station, or eating, to keep yourself focused on the road.