Hollister
– Halloween makes for a multitude of safety concerns for parents
of trick-or-treat aged children.
Hollister – Halloween makes for a multitude of safety concerns for parents of trick-or-treat aged children.
Although the recent daylight-savings time change forces many children to trick-or-treat in the dark, parents can take certain precautions to help ensure the safety of their children and have a fun-filled Halloween night. Local law enforcement officials agree that making children more visible through use of flashlights and reflective tape or clothing can help prevent accidents. The California Highway Patrol urges those out on Halloween night to walk with awareness.
“A common misconception is that the biggest danger is the candy,” CHP Captain Brent Newman said. “When the reality is, the biggest concern is vehicles.”
San Benito County Sheriff’s Lt. Roy Iler said the simplest precaution is adult supervision.
“Make sure you keep an eye on your kids, of course,” Iler said.
The CHP recommends using bright costumes and reflective material to increase visibility. Officer Rosie Betanio, a spokeswoman for the Hollister Police Department, said reflective material is not the only way to make children visible.
“If possible, wear glow-in-the-dark night sticks,” Betanio said.
Trick-or-treaters should stop at all intersections, look both ways and cross streets in marked crosswalks, Betanio said. She also stressed the importance of walking and not running across the street, which could surprise drivers. Sticking to known houses and neighborhoods can help decrease other Halloween dangers, Betanio said.
Nearly half of the pedestrians in California killed on Halloween in 2005 were children, according to the CHP. Bringing a flashlight and outfitting children with appropriate reflective clothing or tape can increase visibility while at intersections and while crossing the street, Iler said.
“A lot of times, what happens is these are really good costumes, but they can be hard to see for motorists,” Police Chief Jeff Miller said.
Miller said trick-or-treating in groups is a great way to increase numbers and increase visibility. The more parents to keep an eye out, the better.
“Parents should remind children about basic pedestrian safety: Walk on sidewalks or paths, cross at the corner or at a crosswalk, obey traffic signals, check for traffic before crossing the street and stay with parents or a group,” Newman said.
Even people without children can do their part to make Halloween safer this year, Betanio said. Drivers should be aware and even drive under the speed limit on Halloween, Betanio said.
“Be especially careful in residential neighborhoods and by all means slow down,” Newman said. “Actively look for kids when backing out of your driveway and at intersections and be sure to stop completely at stop signs.”
Police encourage anyone who sees reckless driving, vandalism or any illegal activities to call 9-1-1 to alert law enforcement.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335, or [email protected].
