Have a safe and fun Halloween

Halloween falls on Friday this year so watch out for a parade of little ghosts, ghouls and goblins with big trick-or-treat plans.

Parents are encouraged to use caution and common sense before sending their children into the dark. Preparation begins with the selection of Halloween costumes and should include warnings about pedestrian and stranger safety.

Costumes with limited vision, combined with the onset of early darkness and increased neighborhood traffic, make Halloween one of the most risky times for children to be on streets. Masks often make it difficult for trick-or-treaters to see vehicles. Children also become more focused on filling their candy quota than on crossing streets safely.

Adults in party mode add to the danger. Revelers should never drive if they imbibe in alcohol at a Halloween party. Police will be especially vigilant for drunk drivers Friday.

Below are tips to make Halloween safe and fun:

Motorists:

  • Do not drive after consuming alcohol
  • Drive slowly and defensively, and ensure that all occupants wear a seat belt
  • Watch for children walking on roads, medians, curbs, and in crosswalks
  • Anticipate children darting into traffic without warning from between parked cars or from behind bushes and shrubs
  • Remember, children may have limited ability to see vehicles
  • Use caution when pulling into and out of driveways
  • Do not pass vehicles stopped in the street – they could be dropping off or picking up children or may be stopped to let children cross the street
  • Do not drive while wearing a Halloween mask

Parents:

  • Help children choose costumes that do not impair vision or interfere with safe walking
  • Use conventional makeup rather than restrictive masks
  • If purchasing costumes, select ones that are not flammable
  • Accompany young children at all times and monitor their activities
  • Avoid houses with poor or no exterior lighting
  • Do not visit houses unless you are familiar with the residents
  • Choose familiar neighborhoods and familiar routes
  • Warn children not to go into the house of any stranger
  • Ensure that treats have not been opened or tampered with
  • Discard homemade or unwrapped treats unless they are provided by a trusted source and are carefully inspected
  • Warn children to never approach an unfamiliar vehicle or to accept treats from unknown drivers
  • Encourage children to watch for and report all suspicious activities

Pedestrians

  • Make sure costumes have a reflective element to increase visibility to drivers
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for cold temperatures or rain
  • Use a good flashlight while walking between houses and along streets and highways
  • Cross streets only at intersections and use marked crosswalks if possible
  • When crossing at an intersection without a traffic signal, watch for turning cars
  • Stop at the curb or edge of the road before crossing; look left, right and left again to ensure no vehicles are approaching
  • Walk from house to house; do not run
  • Walk on sidewalks if they are available; otherwise stay on the left side of a street and face oncoming vehicles
  • Do not throw objects at passing vehicles or into the street
  • Be careful, courteous and enjoy the evening

Also known as All Hallow’s Eve, Halloween originated as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, meaning “summer’s end.” The autumnal holiday, rooted in Christian and pagan festivals—with elements of magic and mystery, celebrated the link between seasonal and life cycles (winter was then a time associated with death).

Halloween is now celebrated worldwide and reflects the assimilation of various cultures.

Here are some interesting facts about Halloween and some tips to go over with your kids to make this Halloween a safe one:

Published 10-24-14