With just a few more days until Halloween, there's a need to not only be more aware of our surroundings while out on the road, but also to make sure our families take special measures to remain safe while on the hunt for candy! Since many children take to the street during this week, it poses an increase in the amount of pedestrian traffic. As more businesses, and shopping malls, are practicing their own candy-grabbing sessions as well, pedestrian traffic is set to increase around those areas, too.
Since the ghouls and goblins typically come out at dusk on their quest for candy, this makes spotting them in the dim light that much more difficult. Although some children play it safe and carry flashlights, glow-sticks, and strobes, it still can be difficult to see them as they run around. When I was a child, we would always go out together in a large group that was supervised by a couple parents, or much older siblings, which helped ensure thtat we were mindful of vehicls in street crossings as we ran around. With the excitement of trick-or-treating, combined with being amped out on sugar, it was easy to be distracted as a kid and forget how dangerous the streets were when it was dark out! Glow sticks for us, back then, were just something fun to have, but unknowingly made it so that we were always visible when crossing a street or walking on a sidewalk.
If you happen to be a parent with kids going out, be sure to coach them on how to stay safe. Bright colored costumes are best for visibility, but if your child does have a dark costume, make sure they have a light source such as a flashlight, strobe pin, or glow-stick to make them more visible in the dark. Remind them to look out for vehicle traffic and only to cross streets in well-lit, crosswalk controlled crossings.
Unfortunately, this holiday also poses a danger of increased inebriated drivers. Far too many people ignore the harsh penalties for drinking and driving, and partake in alcoholic beverages at parties before taking the wheel to head elsewhere. Why these people would not just call an Uber or Lyft ride is beyond me, but nonetheless, some still take the gamble of drinking and driving at some of these parties. If you don't have to work and attend one of these functions yourself, be sure to do the right thing and designate a driver, or call a cab. If you do have to work, and will be out driving the roads this Halloween, be sure to keep your eyes on the lookout for pedestrians, and be aware of other hazards, such as potential drivers under the influence around you.
May your Halloween quest be filled with more treats than tricks!