HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Walk Safely

• Cross streets at corners, use traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right, and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices (Smart Phones) down and keep your head up.
• Walk, don’t run, across streets.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

• Children younger than 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in known groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers or choose bright colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks. Masks which can obstruct a child’s vision and line of sight leading to judgment errors.
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help see and be seen by drivers.
• Make sure your costume fits right to prevent tripping and falling.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

• Slow down and drive slower than usual. Be extra alert in residential areas. Children may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to spot kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slower than usual and observe all surroundings carefully.
• Remove any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate more than usual on the road and your surroundings during Halloween.
• Drive slower than usual, anticipate heavy walking and children, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to be able to be seen as well as spot children from greater distances.
• The most common trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so if you are out driving during this time, be especially alert for kids.