HALLOWEEN TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS FROM AAA

NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, Oct. 21 – There’s no trick to helping children stay safe on Halloween, according to AAA. All it takes is for motorists to be alert and cautious.

“This year, we’re getting a double dose of Halloween,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Many communities have designated Saturday, Oct. 30, as trick-or-treat night but there’s a good chance that kids will also be out making their candy-collecting rounds on Halloween night, Oct. 31, as well. Drivers should anticipate that streets will be full of kids both evenings.”

Here are AAA’s tips for a safe Halloween:

• The speed limit in most residential neighborhoods is 25 mph but when children are out trick-or-treating, it’s a good idea to drive even more slowly.
• Be aware that youngsters may attempt to cross mid-block or between parked cars.
• Look for children’s shoes or costumes under vehicles as clues that kids may suddenly dart out into the street from between parked cars.
• Children may be difficult to see if they are wearing dark costumes.
• Kids who are wearing masks will have an obstructed view of cars.
• Obey all traffic signs, signals and markings.
• If your children are trick-or-treating, make sure they follow safety rules and that their costumes are visible and fit properly.
• When driving trick-or-treaters through neighborhoods, don’t forget to use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter the vehicle on the passenger side.
• Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

Children who are out trick-or-treating need to see and be seen. Encourage

kids to travel neighborhoods in groups, to carry flashlights and to use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags.