Keeping kids safe on Halloween

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and the Nassau County Department of Health are partnering with Safe Kids Nassau County to promote pedestrian safety awareness this Halloween. With daylight hours getting shorter, children are more likely to be trick-or-treating in the dark when it is more difficult for drivers to see them.  

Mangano and Safe Kids Nassau County, a coalition of public and private organizations working together to prevent injuries to children, offer the following Halloween safety tips for parents and drivers:

Cross streets safely.  Cross at a corner, using signals and crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.  Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.

Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.

Be a safe pedestrian around cars.  Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Do not use electronic devices while walking.

Costumes can be both creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up instead. Children should carry flashlights in order to see and be seen.

Be especially alert. Children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways.   Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period between 5:30  to 9:30 p.m. 

Drive slowly.  Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic. Full headlights should be on so that children can be spotted from greater distances.

Reduce distractions.  Eliminate driver distractions such as talking on the telephone or eating.

Although pedestrian safety is a main concern on Halloween, parents also need to keep in mind that there are other hazards for their children on this holiday.  For more tips on how to keep kids safe while on Halloween and throughout the year, visit http://www.usa.safekids.org and search Halloween.