Stay Safe for Halloween 2015

Warwick, RI – The local forecast for Halloween evening promises 44 degrees and a slight south wind of 3 to 5 mph, so an extra layer under your costume will be a good idea, and a quick review of safety tips couldn’t hurt.

For adults, the RI State Police warn of sobering Halloween statistics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2011, 38 percent of all fatalities on Halloween night involved an impaired driver, and 11 percent of those involved a pedestrian, according to a release distributed Friday afternoon.

State Police reminded motorists they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions by dialing *77 on their mobile phones.

To ensure a safe and happy Halloween, RI State Police remind motorists:

• Use caution while behind the wheel.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
• Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating Halloween with alcohol.
• Use your community’s sober ride program or take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.

In keeping with the adult cautionary theme, the CDC offers the following tips for Halloween revelers:

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
• Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Finally, there are, of course, some things for trick-or-treaters and their chaperones to bear in mind:

Going Trick-or-Treating?

• Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight to help you see and others see you. WALK, don’t run.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.