Montgomery, AL – Halloween is a time of fun and festivities, but it’s also essential to prioritize safety during this season. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone. In addition to offering safety tips, ALEA provides an online sex offender registry to help parents stay informed about registered sex offenders in their local areas.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasizes the importance of safety during Halloween, especially this year when Halloween falls on a Tuesday. He notes that the regular workday commute will coincide with the time when children may be out on the streets for trick-or-treating and other seasonal activities. Taylor states, “No matter how you and your family celebrate the day, we want everyone to get home safe and sound at the end of the festivities.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Halloween consistently ranks as one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The National Safety Council (NSC) further highlights that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
Colonel Jon Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, underscores the significance of ensuring children’s safety on Halloween. He emphasizes the need for careful planning and awareness, from choosing appropriate costumes to understanding the dynamics of the night. He advises pedestrians to make themselves as visible as possible, especially at night and in low light, by carrying a flashlight, wearing a small flashing strobe light, or donning reflective clothing. Archer also emphasizes the importance of responsible driving, including the elimination of distractions, slowing down, and watching for children on the road.
In addition to these annual safety tips, ALEA recommends that parents check the online sex offender registry to ensure their children visit safe locations during Halloween.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters:
– Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
– If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
– Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
– Watch for cars turning or backing up.
– Cross streets only at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
– Trick-or-treat in a group if an older individual cannot accompany you.
– Inform your parents about your whereabouts.
– Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, but avoid shining it into oncoming drivers’ eyes.
For Parents:
– Ensure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light-colored for better visibility.
– Encourage the use of glow sticks or retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets.
– Avoid costumes that obstruct vision and opt for face masks that coordinate with costumes.
– Supervise children under 12 and guide them to stick to familiar areas and established routes.
– Instruct children to visit well-lit houses only and never enter a stranger’s home or garage.
For Motorists:
– Eliminate distractions while driving and focus on the road and trick-or-treaters.
– Slow down in residential neighborhoods, obey traffic signs and signals, and be prepared for children who might dart into the street.
– Be vigilant for children crossing the street, as they may not be attentive to traffic and could cross mid-block or between parked cars.
– Exercise caution when entering and exiting driveways and alleys, especially when backing up or turning.
– Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible, even during daylight.
By following these safety tips, everyone can contribute to a happier and safer Halloween for all. ALEA urges the community to celebrate with vigilance and responsibility to ensure that the holiday remains a joyous occasion for children and families.
