If your kids will be trick-or-treating this year in and around Elizabethtown, the Kentucky State Police want to ensure they will be safe from harm. Below are some tips to make this Halloween even safer.
Be mindful of kids while driving
Kids will be traipsing around the neighborhood in the waning daylight hours and into the early evening, so motorists should ensure that they are sober and driving slower than normal to compensate for all the pedestrian traffic. Defensive driving can mean the difference between a near-miss and a fatality.
Dress kids for safety
Never let them carry candles to light up jack-o’-lanterns or costumes. Instead, have them use glow sticks or flashlights for illumination.
Light-colored costumes allow motorists to easily see kids crossing the streets. If possible, design costumes around neon colors. If kids want to wear black costumes and accessories, insist that they attach reflective tape on the sides and backs of their costumes.
Also, parents should ensure that kids’ costumes don’t go below the ankles or pose other tripping hazards. Using facial paint instead of vision-obscuring masks is recommended, too.
Insist kids follow safety rules
Even the youngest trick-or-treaters should know to follow basic safety rules on Halloween. Remind them to “stop, look and listen” before crossing streets. Toddlers may fare better riding in strollers pushed by mom or dad, as the walk may otherwise wear them out too fast.
Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your Halloween
If you are out driving during trick-or-treat hours and after, remember that Kentucky police will be out in force this year arresting impaired drivers. Don’t let your Halloween end with your arrest. Stay sober behind the wheel to keep yourself and others safe on this fall holiday.
Source: SurfKY News Group, “KSP Offers Halloween Safety Tips,” Oct. 23, 2017