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Halloween safety tips for
children, parents, drivers and homeowners
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[October 23, 2007]
MERIDEN, Conn. -- Halloween is a time of great
fun for children, but it can be a little scary for parents and
drivers. Children are often out after dark, crossing busy streets
and perhaps going to unfamiliar homes.
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 "This year Halloween falls on a school day. With excited kids
frantically going from neighbor to neighbor, drivers need to be
particularly cautious," said Ray Palermo, director of public
information for Teachers' Insurance Plan. "However, by following
some simple advice, parents, children, drivers and homeowners can
all have a safe, enjoyable time."
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If children are
out at night, drivers need to be particularly careful at dusk
and when driving either over a hill or around a curve, where
visibility is limited. Use high beams to see and be seen.
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Trick-or-treaters
should always be accompanied by an adult or travel in a group.
Children should be told not to eat any unwrapped candy or treats
until they return home, where their parents can see the items
collected. Making sure kids have already eaten before heading
out may help.
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Parents may want
to limit kids to local events run by police stations,
firehouses, senior citizen centers or local businesses, or
organize their own through their school.
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Parents should
incorporate reflective tape in costumes or add bright colors to
increase visibility. Wearing makeup rather than masks helps
ensure that children have an unobstructed view of their
surroundings.
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Trick-or-treaters
may be caught up in the excitement of the day and not be as
careful as they should. They should always cross at corners and
look both ways before crossing. Drivers need to keep a careful
eye on the road and on the sidewalk, in case anyone darts out
from between parked cars.
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Children should
stay on the sidewalk or, if none is available, walk facing the
lane of traffic, and they should carry a flashlight.
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Homeowners should clear their yards of
anything that can be tripped over, be sure to have a front door
or walkway light on, and refrain from decorations that use an
open flame that could ignite a child's costume.
More Halloween safety information is available at
www.teachers.com/safety.
[Text from file received from Ray
Palermo, director of public information,
Teachers' Insurance Plan]
Teachers' Insurance Plan regularly
provides to the public news and information regarding driver safety,
transportation and education issues. The company issues safety tips,
reports and analyses and conducts original research as a public
service to educators and drivers. |
