Agrilife Shares Tips for Halloween Safety
Halloween is coming soon, and this year COVID-19 will surely make it different for many trick-or-treaters.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Educator Sally Garrett, Fayette County reminds motorists, parents and children of the following safety tips to keep in mind during Halloween and all year long.
Tips for Motorists
• Avoid using handheld electronic devices.
• Remember that as soon as you step out of your car, you become a pedestrian.
• Be especially alert for all road users, including pedestrians, at night.
• Slowdown in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. Keep your windshield clean. 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.
• Never drink and drive tonight or any night. If you are partying, designate a driver.
• If you see a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact local law enforcement.
Tips for Parents
• Adults should always accompany children 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 to be more visible to motorists.
• Be certain that a mask does not obstruct vision or hearing.
• Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.
Tips for Pedestrians (children and adults)
• Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road 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.
Observing safety measures to protect from the virus is important, but don’t forget that by taking some extra time to make sure drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists obey the rules, Halloween can be a safe time for all.