Safety stressed as trick-or-treaters gear up for Halloween festivities
Drivers urged to watch for costumed kiddos; e-bikes & scooters
With spooky season in full swing, local police and national entities are sending caution for those planning to trick-or-treat this Saturday night.
Halloween is here and with it comes groups of children taking to the streets, bags in hand, looking for the next sweet treat from house to house.
The recent time change has the sun set at an earlier time and visibility decreasing, especially for those in dark costumes.
“CCPD encourages adults and children to stay visible by carrying flashlights and glow sticks,” said the Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Office. “Also applying reflective tape to candy bags or buckets so drivers can see them from a distance.
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Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters include
• Make costumes easier to see. Add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and bags and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks.
• Keep costumes safe for walking. Choose costumes that fit properly and do not obstruct a child’s vision.
• Cross where drivers expect pedestrians. Use sidewalks and crosswalks, and avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked vehicles.
• Look before crossing. Look left, right and left again before entering the street.
• Avoid distractions. Put phones away and remove earbuds while walking, particularly when crossing streets.
• Supervise younger children. Children younger than 12 should trick-or-treat with adult supervision.
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“Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. For kids out trick-or-treating without parents, we recommend staying in groups and sticking to well-lit, familiar areas and utilizing sidewalks and crosswalks when available.”
Drivers on the road should play their part, too, this Saturday evening. Distracted driving and increased rates of speed could turn a fun holiday into something scary.
“Drivers are encouraged to slow down and be vigilant,” CCPD officials said. “We always encourage drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. Drivers should use extra caution around intersections and crosswalks as well.”
According to information provided by Safe Kids Worldwide children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Peak trick-or-treating hours are normally 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., putting children on neighborhood streets after dark.
“Halloween already demands a driver’s full attention, and having it fall on a Saturday night adds another reason to be especially cautious,” said Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA, in a release. “Expect more people to be out after dark and slow down in neighborhoods. A child in a costume, or someone riding an e-bike or e-scooter, can appear in your path with very little warning.”
Impaired driving adds to the danger: According to NHTSA reports, 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween night from 2020 through 2024.
E-bikes and e-scooters add another consideration. Riders should wear helmets, use lights and reflective materials, avoid distractions and watch for trick-or-treaters.
“A helmet may not be part of the costume, but it should be part of the ride,” Waiters said. “If you’re heading out on an e-bike or e-scooter, wear a properly fitted helmet and make sure drivers can see you.”
Homeowners in the Cape can also play a role in ensuring a safe night out.
According to CCPD, homeowners should turn on exterior porch lights to signal that trick-or-treaters are welcome and keep walkways clear of hazards.
Citizens should keep an eye out for suspicious or unusual activity. These concerns can be reported to CCPD at (239) 574-3223 or 911 for immediate emergencies.
“Everyone, trick-or-treaters and drivers, are asked to be patient and considerate while our community celebrates Halloween,” CCPD Public Affairs said.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com