Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is the ‘Deadliest Day’ of the year for Children Pedestrian Fatalities!

Here are some safety tips to keep you safe this Halloween.

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals, and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep a heads up. Remember to walk, not run.
• 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 traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
  • Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Children under the age of 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 groups.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Common trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.