Missouri State Highway Patrol Provides Halloween Safety Tips

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to be safety-minded on
Halloween. The following are safety tips for all during the upcoming holiday.

MOTORISTS:

Motorists are reminded to pay attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down, and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn’t hamper your vision while you’re driving to the event. Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on the road, therefore affecting traffic patterns. 

TRICK-OR-TREATERS:

Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider makeup rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are the best ones.

Trick-or-treaters are urged to do so while it is light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

PARENTS:

Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.

ADULTS:

Consider spending Halloween at home answering the front door. If you do attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

Halloween is a time for “scary fun.” Parents, take the time to
trick-or-treat with your children for their safety and your enjoyment.
Afterward, you might be able to talk them out of a treat.