Full Notification

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for child pedestrians. Excited trick-or-treaters often forget about safety so motorists and parents must be even more alert. Check out some tips below to ensure a fun and safe holiday for everyone.  

For Parents/Guardians:

• For younger kids, pin a piece of paper with your child’s name, address and phone number inside your child’s pocket in case you get separated. 
• Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow; instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
• Teach children to stop only well-lit houses and to never enter a stranger’s home or garage.
• Instruct children to not eat any candy until they get home.
• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant, visible with reflective material and will not obstruct vision or movement.  Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand.  Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
• Always stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets; if there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Remember to look both ways before crossing!
• Stay with a group of people and don’t wander off on your own.
• Tell your parents/guardians where you are going and make sure to get home by a pre-established time. 

For Motorists:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street. 
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.  In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night. 
• Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars. 
• Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.