Halloween is the time of year when children dress up and prowl the neighborhood in search of sweets and treats. It's a time when the imagination takes over and distractions may get in the way of awareness and safety. The Wetaskiwin RCMP in partnership with the city of Wetaskiwin and Wetaskiwin Citizens on Patrol reminds trick-or-treaters, motorists and parents to be safe. They offer a few important tips that will help ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.
Trick-or-treaters:
• Look in all directions and use the point, pause, proceed method when crossing the street.
• Always walk on the sidewalk, not on the street and walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Obey traffic lights and only cross when the lights tell you it is safe to do so.
• Don't jaywalk -- cross at the corner or at a crosswalk.
• If there's no pumpkin or porch light at the property don't trick-or-treat there
• Don't go in anyone's house
• Stay in groups, children under 12 need adult supervision
• Dress for the weather
• Don't accept handmade or tampered goods and have parents examine all candy
• Ensure children are visible, dressed in bright clothing, mark costumes and trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape and have them carry a flashlight.
• Face paint is preferable to masks, which restrict a child's vision.
Costumes should not be so long they could cause a child to trip.
• Parents, put your dog away
Motorists:
• Watch your speed -- especially in residential areas and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Clean your windshield to improve visibility.
• Never pass vehicles stopped in the middle of the road until you are certain they have not stopped for a child crossing the road.
• Look for children at intersections when turning left or right on red lights.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
Publisher: Jim Clark Proprietor and published by Sun Media Corporation - A Quebecor Media Company at 5104 - 53 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada T9A 2G5
