It’s Halloween, and while the traditional trick-or-treating has diminished greatly over the last decade or more with many families favoring organized, community-sponsored events, there is still a fair amount of door-to-door activity.
It’s always a good idea to review some common sense Halloween safety tips for both kids and adults before youngsters head out for the evening.
Drivers are reminded to watch for children darting into the street. Remember that excited youngsters can, and do cross the street anywhere, and most young pedestrian injuries happen at spots other than intersections.
Particularly on Halloween, drivers should avoid phone distractions by waiting until your vehicle is stopped to do anything involved with a cell phone.
If you are the driver for a group of trick-or-treaters, be sure to use your turn signals, and if you do pull over to drop off or pick up kids, turn on your four-way flashers.
Parents should be sure to brighten up youngsters going out for Halloween. Flashlights, glow sticks and reflective tape on costumes all can help drivers better see them. Make sure costumes are free of tripping hazards for youngsters. It’s always a good idea to have adults walk with children to focus on keeping them safe.
Be sure to only visit homes where lights are on inviting trick-or-treaters to visit. Adults should always inspect candy, making sure that all pieces are fully wrapped with intact packaging. Anything looking suspicious should be discarded.
