Whether you are trick or treating or attending a party, there are Halloween safety tips that apply to you. Trick or treating is fun but only if everyone stays safe, and the same applies for party goers. Follow these simple safety tips to insure everyone has fun and stays safe.
For Trick or Treaters (and Trunk or Treaters!)
- Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available and use crosswalks.
- Avoid walking in high traffic areas without an adult. Children under 12 should always be accompanied.
- Create a “buddy” system so that everyone is paired up to prevent walking alone.
- Always walk- never run- from house to house. Be careful to watch for tripping hazards.
- Avoid costumes that are difficult to see in the dark. If you have young children, go early, before dark.
- Don’t assume pedestrians have the right of way; some motorists might not see you.
- Avoid walking between cars and through yards.
- Give children flashlights and/or glow sticks so that they can see, and be seen, much easier.
- Make sure kids keep their phones in their pockets to avoid distractions. Take pictures before leaving home.
For Drivers (and Drinkers!)
- Drive slowly in and around neighborhoods, even if you don’t see trick or treaters.
- Watch for children who may dart out into the street, and always yield to pedestrians.
- When transporting children in costume, be sure the costume allows them to be buckled in properly.
- Don’t drink and drive. Incidents of drinking and driving increase on Halloween, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and statistically, about one third of all traffic fatalities are due to drinking and driving.
- When parking, whether at a party or to trick or treat, park where you won’t have to back out. This helps ensure safe exiting when children (and inebriated adults) are around.
- Don’t use your cell phone while driving under any circumstances. If necessary, pull over and park to text or call.
- If you’re hosting a party, be sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and snack foods. Collect keys from guests who are drinking and have the number for taxi or other driving services on hand. Otherwise, be prepared to drive guests home yourself or provide sleeping accommodations.
By following the rules, you can make safety a holiday treat for everyone. Stay safe and happy Halloween! And speaking of staying safe this season, keep your eyes out for deer as well – rut season is starting up and those willy deer will be darting out in front of vehicles.
