KEEP EYES OPEN FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Halloween is a holiday filled with tricks, treats and fun for people of all ages. While it’s important to have a good time, it’s essential to be safe.
If you’re getting behind the wheel, it’s important to keep an eye out for the little ones taking to the streets on foot. Be sure to drive slowly, especially in residential areas. While 20 mph may seem like a snail’s pace to some, drivers have a 15 percent chance of killing a pedestrian while traveling at that speed. That number increases to 45 percent when traveling at 30 mph.
Children may be especially excited and energetic on Halloween, possibly making their moves more unpredictable. In addition, their costumes may impair their vision, making it more difficult for them to see surrounding traffic.
Parents can do their part by accompanying their child, using reflective material on the costumes, sending along a flashlight, having the child make eye contact with drivers, and always looking before crossing the street. Another suggestion is to walk facing traffic when in a neighborhood without sidewalks.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. During this time, be sure to stay alert, watching for children at intersections, and along curbs or roadways without sidewalks. Avoid distractions such as talking on the cell phone, texting, changing CD’s or eating.
