Halloween Safety
Tips for the Walking Dead, Driving Undead, and the Living Who Love Them
It’s always a good time to think about how vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians can safely share space on our streets and in our neighborhoods—never more so as when Halloween looms large on the calendar.
Foot traffic from little feet is normally at an annual high around October 31st, as costumed kids go door-to-door, hoping for their favorite treats. Adults also join the festivities—by following along or heading to parties of their own—jamming sidewalks and side streets in an endless parade of costumes, red wagons, and extra traffic.
There can be a lot of activity and a lot of distractions for fun-sized devils and drivers alike. Whether walking or cruising, keeping some basic safety tips in mind will go a long way in making sure the clock strikes midnight on a day as fun as a monster mash, but as quiet as Castle Dracula at sunrise.
All Treat, No Trick
Walkers:
- An adult should accompany young children.
- Older kids should use the buddy system, following a pre-planned route with an agreed upon return time.
- Always use sidewalks and crosswalks (look both ways first), if available.
- Use make-up instead of masks for unobstructed vision.
- Reflective tape, flashlights, LEDs, and glow sticks should be used after dark.
Drivers:
- Check all your lights are working before you head out.
- Focus on driving—nothing else.
- Take weather and road conditions into account.
- Drive slowly! Kids can pop out unexpectedly.
- Take special care in alleys, driveways, and intersections.
- Use your hazards while waiting or dropping kids off at the curb.
- Don’t pass stopped vehicles that may be doing the above.
Party Hosts:
- Collect car keys as guests arrive.
- Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
- Be ready to call cabs and ride shares or provide beds for those who need them.
- Help friends get home by volunteering to be the designated driver.
- You could be held legally responsible for guest behavior after they leave.
Fright Another Day
Even if your trick-or-treating days are long past, Halloween still holds special magic for the ageless kid in everyone. Whether you’re taking your niece and nephew out for some candy collection or popping by your bestie’s masquerade bash, a little thoughtful prevention can yield a spookily satisfying peace of mind—a delicious, delicious, piece of mind.
