It’s been a while since we have seen ghosts, ghouls, superheroes, princes, and witches out for Halloween. The good news is that trick-or-treating is on this year, with some cautions. Drivers of course, must be cautious to keep trick-or-treaters safe. On Halloween, you have to be mindful of the increase in traffic, darkness, and children who can be unpredictable. Here are a few helpful tips to keep everyone safe:
Parents and trick-or-treaters:
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers
- Make sure your child’s costume is the right size – to prevent falls and trips
- Accompany children younger than 12 and if your older children are going alone make sure you review the route
- Always cross the street at a crosswalk and never between parked cars or out of driveways
- Make sure drivers see you first, establish eye contact/wave before crossing the street
- Watch for cars turning or pulling out of driveways and don’t cross between parked cars.
- Eliminate distractions, keep your head up, and be alert.
- Carry a flashlight.
Drivers:
- Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Halloween
- Popular trick-or-tricking hours are 5:30pm to 9:30pm
- Slow Down! Give kids time to cross the street
- Be careful when exiting/entering driveways and alleyways
- Watch for children darting from between cars in parking lots
- Be careful especially in residential areas and be prepared to stop for kids quickly darting in front of your car
- Make sure your headlights are on early in the day, it will be easier to spot children from greater distances.
- Watch for children dressed in dark colored costumes
- Do not drive distracted
The CDC also recommends a few health safety cautions this year:
- Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth
- Do not put a mask on children younger than 2
- If you are sick, do not go trick-or-treating
- Use sanitizer after touching objects or other people
- Wash hand with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home
- It is better to trick-or-treat outdoors if possible
Happy Halloween!
Sources:
https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2019/10/31/halloween-safety-tips-10/
https://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips