Trick or treating at night, or even during the day, is not as safe as it might have been once. There are many more cars on the road and too many distracted drivers. To help keep your children safe from accidents here are seven things to keep in mind during Halloween:
- Children going out trick or treating should always be accompanied by an adult. If your older children (age 12 is the cut off for Trick or Treating) are going without you, make sure it’s with a group and they have mapped out a route so you always know where they are and stress the importance of staying together.
- Crossroads at the corners and/or crosswalks to lessen the chance of cars in motion not seeing you and vehicles backing up/out of driveways.
- Be aware of your city’s curfew. While times to begin may vary (dusk, 5 or 6 pm), all Tidewater cities end at 8:00 p.m.
- Make sure all parties carry a flashlight or a glow stick is visible on their person, in addition to considering a costume that has light or glow in the dark ink on it.
- Never cut through alleys where vision on the part of a driver or yourself could be compromised.
- If you are driving, slow down in neighborhoods and be extra alert for darting children who are excited and less aware of safety rules like not running out from in-between parked parks.
Be sure to check your child’s candy prior to allowing them to eat anything. Put candy you received from friends/family houses in your pocket as candy they can eat as they walk in the dark.
