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October 3, 2022


Halloween Safety

Ghosts, ghouls and zombies have arrived and the children are out to trick-or-treat! As a driver, parent, trick-or-treater or party host, here are some Halloween safety tips.

As a driver:

Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.

Stay alert. Pedestrians may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, wait for them to pass.

Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.

As a parent:

Talk with Your Trick-or-Treaters. You and your children and/or friends should have a route while trick-or-treating. The route should be familiar and well-lit. Instruct your trick-or-treaters not to enter a stranger’s home or garage. If you have older children who do not need to be supervised, establish a time to return home.

Check the Costumes and Candy. Ensure your trick-or-treater’s costume is flame resistant with reflective components so he or she is visible to drivers. In addition, instruct your children to not eat any candy until they return home for you to do a proper check. Any candy that appears to be opened should be thrown away immediately.

As a trick-or-treater:

Communicate with Your Parents/Guardians. If you do not have need to be supervised, communicate with your parents on a time that you will return home and your planned route to trick-or-treat. Create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone. You may be excited that you have independence, but don’t make your parents and/or guardians worry – it is a spooky holiday after all!

Think About Motorists. Cross streets at corners or cross walks and always look both ways! When you are walking from house to house, walk on the sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available in a particular residential area, walk as close to the curb as possible.

Be Seen! Your costume should have reflective material for motorists to see you in the dark. Also, carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, but do not shine it directly to oncoming drivers – you may blind them for a moment and they may not see you.

As a party host:

Be a responsible party host. Serve plenty of food and provide non-alcoholic beverage options.

Make sure guests get home safely. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Prepare to call taxis, rideshares or provide sleeping accommodations.

This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.

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