Highway Patrol Hands Out Halloween Safety Tips

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to be safety-minded on
 Halloween. The following are safety tips for all during the upcoming holiday.

MOTORISTS

Motorists are reminded to pay attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down, and drive with extra caution.

If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn’t hamper your vision while you’re driving to the event. Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on the road, therefore affecting traffic patterns. 

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider makeup rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic.

Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are the best ones.

Trick-or-treaters are urged to do so while it is light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

PARENTS

Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.

ADULTS

Consider spending Halloween at home answering the front door. If you do attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

 Halloween is a time for “scary fun.” Parents, take the time to 
trick-or-treat with your children for their safety and your enjoyment.
 Afterward, you might be able to talk them out of a treat.