Halloween safety tips

(ROCKWALL, TX — October 11, 2017) Although Halloween comes before the change back to standard time this year, the days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting longer. With shorter days comes more night driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly two-thirds of all fatal pedestrian crashes and about 20% of fatal bicycle crashes occur in low-light conditions. According to Safe Kids, these factors play a major role in children being struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Rockwall County AgriLife Extension agent, Aimee Sandifeer, EdD, reminds motorists, parents and children about safety tips to keep in mind during Halloween and all year long.

Tips for Motorists: Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians, and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully. Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs. They’re excited–and they are not paying attention. And lastly, never drink and drive.

Tips for Parents: Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their “trick or treat” activities. Teach children to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before they cross the street. Use a flashlight and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume. Ensure a mask does not obstruct vision or hearing. Be certain that costumes are not too long as this can cause falls.

Tips for Pedestrians (children and adults): Before crossing a street, stop on the sidewalk and look left, right, and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while on the street. Walk – never run – from house to house or across the road. Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. When crossing at an intersection with a traffic light, be sure to watch for turning cars. Obey all pedestrian signals. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic. By taking some extra time to make sure drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists obey the rules, Halloween can be a safe time for all.

Dr. Sandifeer’s programming focus is to offer Rockwall County residents opportunities to improve, maintain or supplement healthy lifestyles. Extension’s Family & Community Health programs promote: nutrition, aging in place, consumer education, youth development, financial wellness, and disease prevention.

To learn more about Staying Safe: Medicare Fraud Prevention, Pass It On: Scam Awareness, Heart Healthy, Fresh Start to a Healthier You; and much more, please call A&M AgriLife Extension at 972.204.7660 or send us an email at rockwall-tx@tamu.edu.