Halloween Safety

From the Middletown Police
-----------------
Halloween is only 8 days away. The Middletown Police Department wants to remind drivers there will be significant increases in pedestrian traffic all over the City Halloween evening. Trick-or-Treaters will be out and about during hours of dusk and darkness. Studies have shown that the potential for automobile related accidents with young pedestrians increases four times on this night. We expect our streets will be crowded with all sorts of costumed children. Costumes are not always designed with lighter colors and safety in mind. This makes for the added responsibility for drivers to be more alert. Children and adults tend to be preoccupied and may not pay as much attention to safety as they should. They may not see your vehicle or they just assume that you can see them. Stay vigilant and you shouldn't have a problem while driving on Halloween night.

Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections, and the side of the roadway. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around you as you drive. Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas. This will allow you time to stop in the event a child darts into the roadway. Let your child know that they should never get into the car of a stranger at any time. Stay clear of homes that are dark or don’t have exterior lights illuminated. If someone stops them and asks for help or offers them candy, tell them to scream as loud as they can and run. Remember, that an adult has no reason to ask a child for help or directions.

When selecting a costume look for the “Flame Resistant” label. Although the label doesn’t mean that the garment won’t catch fire, it is an indicator it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly when taken away from an ignition source.

Be sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to motorists.

At the end of the night have an adult check candy received while trick-or-treating for evidence of tampering. Discard anything that just doesn’t look right. Follow these and other safety tips to make Halloween a safe, happy, and memorable occasion for you and your children.