Halloween is almost here! There are several easy and effective
behaviors that parents can share with kids to help decrease safety risk during
Halloween.
On average, children are more likely to be hit
by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
Limit being distracted by electronics.
Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
WALK and don't run from house to house.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should 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.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Swords, knives, and other costume accessories
should be short, soft, and flexible.
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.
Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
For more information, contact Shawn Gore, Community Education Specialist, at 703.746.5269 or shawn.gore@alexandriava.gov
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