Full Notification

With the warm weather today, Halloween, the ghouls, vampires and other creatures will be walking the streets to collect their treats. The Rutherford Police urge you to be safe and avoid trouble at all costs. That way you will get the most out of gobbling up all your treats.

We will not alarm you with statistics for pedestrian and vehicular accidents, just know they have increased each year. However we want to remind you that following safe pedestrian and driver practices are important.

Pedestrians and motorists should avoid distractions. Remember, Heads Up, Phones Down whether you are operating a vehicle or crossing a roadway.

Here are some additional safety tips for you:

DRIVERS

Obey the speed limit. It is suggested you drive with increased caution and drive approximately 5 mph under the posted speed limit on Halloween.

Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks.

Be alert for children who may dart into the roadway, run out from between parked cars or are wearing dark costumes.

Don't drive distracted. Talking on a non-hands free device and texting while driving is illegal and dangerous.

Drive sober. While we encourage you to enjoy the party, have a designated driver or use a car service.

PEDESTRIANS

Make sure costumes don't impair your child's ability to walk or see. Limit masks that limit visibility.

Before crossing look left, right and then left again to make sure no cars are coming.

If the street has a stop light, wait until the crosswalk light indicates that it is okay to cross, but still look both ways.

Cross in groups and hold the hands of the smaller children.

Use sidewalks and if one is not present, walk facing traffic.

Be visible at all times. Add reflective tape to costumes and carry a flash light or use glow sticks to ensure you are seen at dusk and later.

Do not include high heel shoes or long dangling pieces of a costume that you can trip over. An injury from a fall can ruin your fun.

Cross at corners and intersections and use marked crosswalks when available.

Never cross the roadway between parked vehicles because you likely will not be seen by the driver.