Keeping Trick-or-Treaters, and Yourself, Safe this Halloween
Communities, cities and towns across the country are getting ready for Trick-or-Treat night. With a larger number of children out and about and the sun setting earlier in the evening, it is of the utmost importance to be vigilant should you need to travel your neighborhood when it hosts Trick-or-Treating. Here we have compiled some tips to help keep the Trick-or-Treaters and yourself safe when driving during this fun, festive holiday.
Keep a Weather Eye for Children
Not surprisingly, there will be a larger number of children walking around the neighborhood than usual during the hours of Trick-or-Treat. Since many children will be in costume and some in very dark colors during the twilight hours of the day, it is important to stay alert and try to anticipate the moves of the children and their parents. It is especially important to be careful when driving in neighborhoods between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. when the majority of Trick-or-Treat nights are taking place.
Drive Slowly
Just like you should be alert during the hours of Trick-or-Treat, you should also drive more slowly than usual. Since many small children will likely be out, it is possible that you may not see them right away if they come out from between parked cars or suddenly dart out into the street – driving slowly will make it easier for you to come to a stop quickly and safely should this happen. Additionally, be cautious around and do not pass vehicles that are stopped along the side of the road – there may be children crossing the road that you cannot see or the driver may be dropping children off at a specific location.
Tips for Parents of Trick-or-Treaters
Just like drivers should be vigilant during the hours of Trick-or-Treat, parents should also prepare their children to follow proper safety procedures as well. Make sure children understand how to properly cross the street by telling them to look both ways and only cross at street corners or in crosswalks when it is safe. Also, equip children with flashlights or glow sticks, especially for those with dark costumes, to help make them more visible to those who may be driving through the neighborhood. For those very small children, taking part in an indoor Halloween program in the community may be another option.
*Photo Courtesy of Steven Saus via Creative Commons License