MCDOT wants to
ensure that trick-or-treaters have a safe and fun Halloween, particularly since
it will be dark during many of the festivities.
The National Safety Council tells us that children are more than twice as likely
to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. It
is so important that families take extra precautions to “be seen on Halloween”.
The following tips can help keep trick-or-treaters
safe:
- Drivers should slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Reduce speed and turn on headlights early ito spot kids from further away.
- Never drive after consuming alcohol. CAll a taxi or designate a driver who is not drinking at all. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will be offering free Lyft rides home for adults 21 and over who choose to drink alcohol on Halloween night. A limited number of codes will be made available in advance. Visit soberride.com for more information.
- Drivers and trick-or-treaters should avoid looking at electronic devices and be aware of their surroundings.Trick-or-treaters should cross the street at corners or crosswalks. Always look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk—do not run—across the street.
- Parents and trick-or-treaters can make themselves more easily seen by carrying glow sticks or flashlights, using reflective tape or stickers on costumes and wearing light colors.
The MCDOT Safe Routes to School
program will be participating at several
family friendly events, giving out safety prizes and promoting pedestrian
safety. View our calendar of events here. MCDOT wishes you a fun and safe
Halloween this year.
