Walk Safe This Halloween
Make safety part of the fun 🎃 Tips for kids, parents and drivers
Halloween is full of costumes, candy and spooky adventures. But with excited trick-or-treaters, busy neighborhoods and shorter daylight hours, it’s also an important time to remember pedestrian safety. Whether your family is heading out for treats or you’re driving through the neighborhood, a few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy a safer Halloween.
Trick-or-Treat Safely
- Stop, Look, Listen: Stop, then look left, right, left, and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
- Use Crosswalks: Cross at corners and crosswalks, and use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Be Bright, Be Seen: Carry a flashlight or glow stick and add reflective details to your costume.
- Stay Together: Trick-or-treat with an adult or trusted group, and never run into the street.
- Choose Safe Costumes: Wear comfortable shoes and make sure you can see clearly.
Tips for Parents
- Supervise Young Children: Walk with little ones and help them cross streets safely.
- Plan Your Route: Choose familiar, well-lit streets with sidewalks and safe crossings.
- Set Ground Rules: Review boundaries, safe crossing habits and a return time with older kids.
- Check Costumes: Make sure masks, accessories and clothing don't block vision or cause trips.
- Inspect Treats: Check candy and other goodies before children dig in.
Reminders for Drivers
- Slow Down: Reduce speed in neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Stay Focused: Put distractions away and watch carefully for children near roads and driveways.
- Look Twice: Check carefully at intersections, crosswalks and when backing up.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Stop for people crossing and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- Drive Sober: Arrange a sober ride if alcohol or other impairing substances are involved.
Looking for more safety information? Visit the South Dakota Safety Council for helpful articles and resources: https://southdakotasafetycouncil.org