With Halloween approaching, Sheriff Jewell Williams is reminding parents to keep their children and their communities safe. Sadly, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to statistics. Don’t be a statistic:
Here are some tips to help keep kids safe:
- Children should wear bright or reflective colors – even if not in a costume
- They should not wear masks that restrict their vision
- Walk on sidewalks or paths, not in the street (unless there is no sidewalk then walk facing traffic)
- Cross the streets at corners and pay attention to the traffic signals – and they should look left before crossing – then right and then left again.
- If they trick or treat after dark, please make sure to carry a flashlight.
According to national statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, between 2012 and 2016, 44 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night involved a drunk driver. Children out trick-or-treating, and those accompanying them, are also at risk, as 14 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved impaired drivers. In Pennsylvania, between 2012 and 2016, 23 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved an intoxicated driver.
If you plan to drink on Halloween, please be responsible.
Have a designated driver, use public transportation, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service.
Let’s stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!
Leave a Comment