The costumes are ready; the candy buckets are waiting as children across Alabama are counting down the days until Halloween this Saturday, Oct. 31. As families prepare for an evening of tricks, treats and community events, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding parents, trick-or-treaters and motorists that a little extra caution can go a long way toward keeping the holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, neighborhoods across the state may experience increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic as families take advantage of weekend festivities. While the holiday is filled with excitement, it also presents serious safety risks, particularly for young pedestrians.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween compared to other days of the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also warns of heightened risks associated with pedestrian fatalities and impaired driving during Halloween celebrations. Reduced visibility after dark, increased foot traffic and distracted driving can create dangerous conditions, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
“Halloween should be a night filled with fun, laughter and memories for our children, not preventable tragedies,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “As parents and grandparents, we all want our children to return home safely at the end of the night. That starts with taking a few simple precautions before heading out and looking out for one another along the way. I encourage every motorist to slow down, stay alert and remember that behind every costume is a child whose safety depends on the decisions we make.”
As families finalize their Halloween plans, ALEA encourages parents and guardians to take a few minutes before Saturday’s festivities to review the following safety reminders with their children.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters:
- Be visible: Wear bright or reflective costumes and add reflective tape to candy bags or buckets to help motorists see you.
- Choose costumes carefully: Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls. If wearing a mask, ensure it does not obstruct your vision.
- Use sidewalks: Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing oncoming traffic and remain as far from the roadway as possible.
- Cross safely: Look both ways and listen for approaching vehicles before crossing the street. Use designated crosswalks and intersections and never cross between parked vehicles.
- Stay alert: Watch for vehicles turning, backing out of driveways or entering intersections. Avoid distractions, including cellphones, while walking.
- Travel in groups: Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups and communicate their planned routes with parents or guardians.
- Carry a light: Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries or another light source to improve visibility after dark.
- Check Halloween treats: Parents and guardians should inspect all candy and treats before allowing children to eat them. Discard any items with opened or damaged packaging and be mindful of potential choking hazards and food allergies.
ALEA also encourages parents and guardians to remain aware of their surroundings and familiarize themselves with the neighborhoods their children plan to visit. As an additional precaution, families can review Alabama’s online sex offender registry before heading out for Halloween activities. The registry is available through ALEA’s website at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency- Contact.
Safety Reminders for Motorists:
While children may be focused on collecting candy and enjoying the festivities, drivers have an especially important responsibility to remain alert. With more families expected to be out celebrating Saturday evening, ALEA urges motorists to use additional caution, especially when traveling through residential neighborhoods or congested areas.
- Slow down: Reduce your speed in residential areas and remain alert for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
- Eliminate distractions: Put away cellphones and avoid other activities that take your attention away from driving. A split-second distraction can have devastating consequences.
- Watch for pedestrians: Be especially cautious at intersections, crosswalks and areas with limited visibility. Remember that children may be difficult to see after dark, particularly when wearing darker costumes.
- Use extra caution when turning or backing up: Carefully check for children before entering or exiting driveways and alleys.
- Never drive impaired: If your Halloween plans include alcohol, designate a sober driver or arrange for a safe ride home. Never allow an impaired friend or family member to get behind the wheel.
This Saturday, let’s keep the scares in the costumes, the treats in the candy buckets and our children safe. Together, we can help ensure Halloween remains a night of treats, not tragedies
