As trick-or-treaters gear up for a weekend of spooky fun, AAA, the Exeter Township Police Department, Tower Health/Reading Hospital, and other Berks traffic safety agencies are offering tips to keep everyone safe.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to the National Safety Council.
“Creative costumes, trick-or-treating and bags full of goodies become top Halloween priorities, but safety often becomes an afterthought,” said Cheryl Gouker, AAA Reading-Berks. “We’re urging drivers to keep an eye out for pedestrians, slow down in neighborhoods, and avoid distractions and impairment behind the wheel to help keep everyone safe.”
The dangers include both child pedestrian safety and drunk driving.
“With an increased risk of pedestrian crashes on Halloween night, we’re urging parents to take the time to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists,” said Sgt. David Bentz, Exeter Township PD. “In addition, drivers must eliminate distractions, slow down and watch for children, as well as have a completely sober designated driver if drinking as part of a Halloween celebration.”
Tips For Parents/Guardians: For younger kids, pin a piece of paper with your child’s name, address and phone number inside your child’s pocket in case you get separated. Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow; instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes. Teach children to stop at only well-lit houses and to never enter a stranger’s home or garage. Instruct children to not eat any candy until they get home. Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant, visible with reflective material and will not obstruct vision or movement and aren’t a trip hazard. Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped.
“About 25% of injuries related to Halloween happen because of trips and falls,” added Jennifer Barney, Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator at Reading Hospital/Tower Health. “There are a few reasons why falls are more likely on this day, including unfamiliar streets, long costumes, and bad lighting. The community can reduce the risk of falls by keeping sidewalks, driveways, and porches clear of clutter and well-lit”.
Tips For Trick-or-Treaters: Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers. Always stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets; if there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Remember to look both ways before crossing! Stay with a group of people and don’t wander off on your own. Tell your parents/guardians where you are going and make sure to get home by a pre-established time.
Tips For Motorists: Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street. Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night. Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars. Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.
