Cops urge caution for motorists, trick-or-treaters
Copyright 10/30/2009 • www.ottawaherald.com
Just because the Ottawa Police Department doesn’t get a lot of complaints on Halloween doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of risks.
Capt. Randy Allen, with the Ottawa Police Department, said Halloween poses a threat to families because of the large number of children roaming the area.
“Everything goes pretty good here,” Allen said. “But no matter how good it goes, there unquestionably are going to be a lot of kids out running around in the dark and a lot of traffic.”
Allen said the biggest danger for children is getting struck by traffic.
“A lot of people are out driving with their kids and kids are running across the street,” he said. “It’s imperative that everyone be careful when they are driving that night.”
In order to avoid getting hit by cars, Allen said parents should make sure their children are wearing reflective stripping.
“Most of the costumes now that you would buy come with reflective stripping,” Allen said. “If you’re using a costume that does not have that, it would be a good idea to attach some type of reflective material to the costume.”
Not only should parents be concerned about drivers, but Allen said they also should monitor the candy their children consume.
“You should have a rule with your kids not to eat anything that they get until they’ve gotten home and the parents have had a chance to inspect it,” Allen said. “If you’re suspicious at all, don’t let them have it.”
Allen added that the best way to be safe on Halloween is to accompany your children.
“Keep small children under watch and care while trick-or-treating,” Allen said. “Be sure you know where your older kids are and make sure they aren’t up to anything.”
Tips for parents and children
• Cross streets safely: Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Don’t assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.• Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths: If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.
• Be a safe pedestrian around cars: Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Tips for drivers
• Be alert: Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.• Drive more slowly: Slow down and anticipate heavier-than-usual pedestrian traffic.
• Lights on: Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.