Watch out! The streets will soon be filled with superheroes, princesses, and a few ghouls and zombies. Halloween is one of the days where there are increased risks for pedestrian incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, be especially careful between 4 and 8 p.m.  Whether you’re driving on Halloween, handing out treats, or chaperoning a group of kids, it’s important to go over a few safety precautions.

Here are few reminders to stay safe this Halloween.

Pedestrian Safety

• Prepare your family with flashlights, reflector lights, or glow sticks, so you’re visible to drivers while walking.

• Go over pedestrian safety with your group like walking on sidewalks, crossing at designated crosswalks, and looking left, right, and left again, before crossing.

• Walk in familiar neighborhoods and pre-plan your walk.

• Be respectful of your neighbor’s property and use walkways.

• Avoid walking between cars, and watch for cars backing out of driveways.

• Remember there is safety in numbers. Stay together and ensure there is a responsible chaperone to supervise the festivities.

Driving Safety

• Slow down and be extra cautious in neighborhoods and while backing out of your driveway.

• Be careful passing stopped motorists; other drivers might be dropping off children.

• Watch for children darting into the street; young kids sometimes get excited and seem to appear out of thin air.

• Always give the right-of-way to young pedestrians. Children might not see you, either because they don’t see a moving vehicle approaching or don’t know how to cross the street safely.

• Eliminate impaired driving. If adult beverages are offered, and you have to drive, just say no.

• Minimize teen driving. Halloween is a particularly stressful time for teen drivers, who may be excited about school parties and costumes, or looking at decorated houses,  and less on the heavy foot traffic. They don’t have the same level of experience driving as an adult.

Please be careful while driving on Halloween and watch out for the “Trick-Or-Treaters.

A few safety precautions will go a long way to protecting kids, parents and friends this Halloween. And, while you’re out enjoying the early evening hours with your children, stop by Osceola Garage and grab some goodies.  From all of us at Osceola Garage we wish you a great day with your family and above all have fun and be safe.