In Safe Routes, Walking

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

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-you-let-your-child-trick-or-treat-this-halloween-heres-how-the-cdc-says-to-do-it-safely-11633370865

 

 

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