TOWN OF YORKTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AAA URGE SAFETY FOR HALLOWEEN

Halloween 2020 may have been a little light on trick-or-treaters, but with schools in full session, it’s likely that more trick-or-treaters may once again take to the streets on Halloween this year. And as children may continue take to the streets, their risk of being injured by motorists greatly increases. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.   “This year, Halloween falls on a Sunday, so trick-or-treaters may potentially be out at any hour of the day,” said Donna Galasso, Assistant Director of Traffic Safety, AAA Northeast.
 
Chief Robert Noble offers these tips from AAA to families who may venture out on Halloween:

• Be bright if going out at dusk or dark; use reflective tape on costumes and treat bags, and carry flashlights and glow sticks for extra visibility.
• Masked costumes are IN this year- just be sure that vision is not obstructed in any way.
• Wear a costume you can walk in – comfortable footwear and nothing that drags on the ground.   
• Carry/use hand sanitizer between houses.
• Work one side of the street at a time, crossing only at corners and crosswalks. Stay out of the roadway! Visit less homes than usual, sticking to those you know.
• Avoid going out in large groups- stick to immediate family. Encourage teens to observe social distancing if out with friends.
• If driving trick- or- treaters on their rounds, don’t forget to use appropriate car seats, and have children enter and exit the vehicle from the passenger side.
• Only accept candy that is totally wrapped and sealed, and take COVID precautions at home before consuming it.

Chief Robert Noble offers these tips from AAA for motorists on Halloween:

• Be vigilant in scanning far ahead, watching attentively for children running from house to house.
• Take it a little slower than usual in residential areas; or try to avoid cutting through those areas all together.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Avoid driving distractions, even after traditional trick-or-treat hours. Older children and teens may be out without supervision.
• And it goes without saying, if you’re attending an adult Halloween party where alcohol is being served, be sure to have a designated driver!