Follow these simple safety tips to have a fun and safe Halloween.
Walk Safely
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
- Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
- Walk facing traffic.
- Walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
Costumes for a Safe Halloween
- Plan costumes and bags that are bright and add reflective tape or stickers.
- Use face paint and nontoxic makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Make sure shoes fit well.
- Your costume should be the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- When buying premade costumes, look for flame resistant materials.
- Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Put away your phone while driving.
- Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.
