Trick-or-treaters and motorists urged to take safety precautions

As Halloween brings the ghouls and goblins out Monday evening, motorists, homeowners and trick-or-treaters need to heed safety tips to ensure all the Pahrump Valley has a safe and spooky holiday weekend.

Motorists should avoid traveling through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present.

Drivers should also heed all traffic signs and signals and drive at least five miles slower than the posted speed limit sign in areas trick-or-treater could be located.

Keeping an eye out for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs are key, as those in dark costumes are tougher to spot at night.

Also, always act as if trick-or-treaters may not be paying attention to traffic and may cut between parked cars.

Motorists should also scan ahead when driving in residential areas, watch for children and actively monitor their actions. Using a vehicle’s headlights is recommended, even during the day to make one’s vehicle more visible.

Those taking part in trick-or-treating activities should not run out from between parked cars or into the street suddenly.

To make themselves more visible to motorists, Halloween-goers are urged to walk in groups, on the sidewalk or paths, staying out of roadways.

Jaywalking is never a good idea, especially on Halloween, and trick-or-treaters are encouraged to cross the road at corners, utilizing crosswalks when possible.

When crossing the street, look left, right, and left again. If you see any cars, trucks or motorcycles coming, wait for the vehicle to stop or pass you and repeat the steps to ensure safety.

Make eye contact with drivers, acknowledging the driver to ensure they see trick-or-treaters that are approaching.

When possible, trick-or-treaters are urged to participate when it’s lighter outside, and choosing a well-lit route is recommended.

Carrying a flashlight when it’s dark is also urged, as it makes trick-or-treaters more visible and so you can be seen easily.

If walking in an area where there are no sidewalks present, pedestrians are recommended to walk facing traffic.

Once all candy is collected, parents and children are urged to eat factory-wrapped treats.

As far as costumes, parents should ensure their child’s costume fits, so they do not trip and if wearing a mask, to double-check that their field of vision is not obstructed. Also, parents should tell children to remove their masks before crossing a street.

If possible, children should wear makeup on their faces instead of masks, to enhance the party’s safety.

Children should choose bright-colored costumes and accessories that are made of flame-retardant materials.

If a fake weapon is included in a costume, parents are urged to check if the items are soft and flexible.

Using retro-reflective tape or stickers on your child’s costumes and having children carry a Retro-Reflective candy bag/pumpkin is recommended to make them more visible to motorists.

Pets are affected on Halloween as well.

Pet owners recommend keeping candy away from pets, as most of them are harmful to their health.

With the influx of people and motorists outside during Halloween, pet owners are urged to keep their pets inside, away from noise and possible mischief.

Also, keeping pets away from doorways is recommended as they may become anxious with the doorbell ringing more than usual and costumed characters coming to the door.

If your pet is spooked and it escapes your residence, pet owners should make sure their pets have an ID tag on its collar and/or is microchipped.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.