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Street-smart
tips for a safe Halloween
AAA of Oregon/Idaho
BOISE - Last year in the U.S., children under the age of 15 accounted
for about one in ten of the nearly 4,800 pedestrian fatalities recorded.
That's especially frightening, AAA Idaho says, when you consider that
the fatality rate on Halloween night is four times higher than any other
time of the year.
“Costumes, dark streets, cars and the growing popularity of adult Halloween parties where alcohol is consumed make Halloween potentially more dangerous for everyone,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. “When we look at national crash data it's apparent that we all need to be more diligent to keep ours kids safe.”
Parents need to make sure young, costumed trick-or-treaters intent on getting candy are armed with enough street smarts to keep them safe before they make their door-to-door rounds this Halloween. AAA says trick-or-treaters should avoid masks that obstruct vision and costumes that reduce visibility. Motorists can also lend a hand by turning headlights on before dusk, slowing down, watching out for children, and by not drinking and driving.
Here are 'street smart' tips parents and motorists should follow this Halloween:
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Be Visible - Disguise your trick-or-treater with makeup instead of a mask to avoid obstructed vision. Make sure costumes have adequate reflective material, to assure your ghost or goblin is easy to see.
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Accompany - Always accompany trick-or-treaters to ensure their safety. Always be aware of motorized traffic in the neighborhood.
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Slow Down - Drive 5 mph slower than the posted speed limits through residential areas.
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Watch Out - As motorists, keep a watchful eye for children darting into the street. Remember, the one thing to expect from children is that they often act unexpectedly.
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Don't Drink and Drive. Period - If you're going to drink, have a designated driver available.
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Lighten Up - Trick or treat while it's still light outside, if possible. Dusk is the most dangerous time for pedestrians. Carry a flashlight to see and be seen.
"With just a few simple precautions, trick-or-treaters will have
a hauntingly good - and safe - Halloween,” Carlson said.