Keeping your children safe on Halloween
Cape Coral police have some tips to ensure everyone has a happy Halloween this year.
“We want everybody to enjoy the holiday and have a good time and be safe while doing it,” Cpl. Chad Hartzell, with the CCPD’s Traffic Unit, said. “We don’t want to see any bad things happen.”
“If everyone can do their little part, it will be a success,” he said.
Before even heading out the door, parents should make sure that their children will be visible.
“A good thing is to be seen, especially since it’s getting darker earlier,” Hartzell said.
A flashlight or glow stick is helpful, and light-reflecting material can be attached to costumes.
Parents should try to avoid costumes with masks, opting for make-up instead.
“Use sidewalks whenever you can,” he said. “That gives you that buffer away from the road.”
While trick-or-treating, families should mindful of drivers on the roadways.
“Always walk facing traffic, that way the motorists can see you and you can see them,” Hartzell said.
Children should be instructed not to run into the street or between parked vehicles.
“Look both ways before you cross the street,” he said. “Don’t just dart out into traffic.”
“In areas where there is a crosswalk, utilize that,” Hartzell said.
Trick-or-treaters should avoid texting while walking and not use ear buds.
“That limits your hearing field greatly,” he said. “Be aware of your surroundings.”
Always trick-or-treat in a group; never go alone.
“If they’re young children, there should always be an adult with them,” he said.
Only stop at well-lit homes; avoid dark or unlit residences.
“The majority of the people handing out candy will have lights on,” Hartzell said.
After the trick-or-treating is over, parents should inspect the candy that their child collected.
“Any opened or unwrapped candy, I would discard,” he said. “Don’t take open drinks.”
Motorists are asked to also keep safety in mind this Halloween.
“Pay attention and eliminate as many distractions as you can,” Hartzell said.
Turn off the radio, and put the cell phone down.
“Slow down in areas where you see a lot of children,” he said, adding that neighborhoods without sidewalks require extra caution. “You’ve got to be on your toes and pay attention more than usual.”
Those headed to a party in costume should make sure it does not impede their driving.
“If that prohibits your field of vision in any way, it’s not a good idea to wear it,” Hartzell said
“If it can be removed, definitely do so,” he said.
Have a designated driver or plan to stay the night if you intend to consume alcohol.
The CCPD will have additional roving patrols over the weekend.
“They will be out and about,” Hartzell said.