Chatham-Kent Police are hoping all the little ghosts and goblins have fun while out trick-or-treating this Halloween, but also want to make sure everyone comes home safe.
Walk Safely
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right, and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down, keep your heads up, and walk; don’t run across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children never to dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Trick or Treat with an Adult
• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colours.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, ensure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighbourhoods. Children are excited about Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
For more information, please see Halloween Safety | Safe Kids Worldwide
