Missouri State Highway Patrol Halloween Safety tips

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan ahead on Halloween. Safety is an important part of a fun Halloween.

MOTORISTS: Motorists are reminded to pay attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down, and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn’t hamper your vision while you’re driving to the event! Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on the road, therefore affecting traffic patterns. Please be courteous and stay alert.

PARENTS: Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lighted. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Trick-or-treating with your children can be fun, and it's good for their safety.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS: Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider make-up rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are the best ones. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible when you're walking around a neighborhood.

Trick-or-treaters are urged to do so while it is light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

ADULTS: Consider spending Halloween at home answering the front door. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.