MONTGOMERY– The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging families and drivers to take extra precautions this Halloween weekend.

Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, and ALEA expects increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic as families attend festivities. As a result, the agency is asking motorists to slow down and parents to review safety rules before children head out.

Reduced visibility, distracted driving, and heavier foot traffic can create dangerous conditions, particularly in residential neighborhoods. However, planning ahead and staying alert can help families celebrate safely.

“Halloween should be a night filled with fun, laughter and memories for our children, not preventable tragedies,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said.

Help Children Stay Visible and Cross Safely

Choose bright or reflective costumes, and add reflective tape to candy bags or buckets. Also, carry a flashlight with fresh batteries or another light source after dark.

Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls, while masks should leave children’s vision unobstructed.

Use sidewalks whenever possible. If none are available, walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far from the roadway as possible.

At crossings, look both ways and listen for approaching vehicles. Use designated crosswalks and intersections instead of crossing between parked vehicles.

Children should also watch for vehicles turning or backing out of driveways. Put away cellphones while walking so attention stays on nearby traffic.

Plan the Route and Check Treats

Young children should always have a responsible adult with them. Older children should travel in groups and also share their planned routes with parents or guardians.

In addition, ALEA encourages families to become familiar with the neighborhoods they plan to visit. Families can review Alabama’s online sex offender registry through the Sex Offender Registry link on ALEA’s website.

Before children eat treats, parents should inspect them and discard anything with opened or damaged packaging. Also, check for food allergies and potential choking hazards.

Drivers Should Slow Down and Stay Alert

Motorists should reduce speed in residential areas because children may unexpectedly enter the roadway. Put away cellphones and avoid other distractions behind the wheel.

Also, use extra caution at intersections, crosswalks, and places with limited visibility. Before turning or backing into driveways and alleys, carefully check for children.

Finally, anyone whose Halloween plans include alcohol should designate a sober driver or arrange a safe ride home. Never allow an impaired friend or family member to drive.

STATE NEWS