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Troopers'
Tips Make Halloween Not So Scary
West Trenton - With Halloween upon us, the New Jersey
State Police are reminding parents and their Halloween goblins
about some important safety precautions. While Halloween is
fun for our children, it can also be a very dangerous time.
Halloween offers special challenges for parents, drivers
and children. Here are some State Police safety tips to help
make the 2005 Halloween holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone:
TRICK-OR-TREATERS
- Consider using make-up rather than masks. Masks may obstruct
a child's vision making it difficult for them to see oncoming
traffic.
- Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to
darker costumes. Always carry a flashlight at night. Inexpensive
battery-operated strobe lights are now sold in many drug
stores and convenience stores.
- An adult should always accompany small children when they
are out trick-or-treating. Older children should travel
in groups for their safety.
- Make sure trick-or-treaters know to only approach familiar
houses that have outside lights on and NEVER TO ENTER A
STRANGER'S HOUSE OR VEHICLE.
- The best advice: Trick-or-treat in daylight hours.
DRIVERS
- Stay alert at all times for young children who may dart
in front of your vehicle unexpectedly. In the excitement
of the day, trick-or-treaters probably won't be paying attention
to passing motor vehicles, so slow down and drive cautiously.
- If you attend a Halloween party where alcohol is served,
make sure you have a designated driver for the trip home.
Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and
dulls the senses. With small children running from house
to house, driving while under the influence can have a deadly
result.
- If you are transporting trick-or-treaters, remember that
seat belt laws are not a burden, but a proven lifesaving
measure. Costume or not, buckle up!
TREATS
- Consider handing out something other than candy-fast food
coupons, pens, sports cards...
- All opened candy should be thrown out. Make your own trick-or-treaters
wait until they return home, and you have examined their
goodies, before they sample any treats. It is sad to think
people may tamper with food and candy given to children,
but better safe than sorry.
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Halloween isn't just for kids. Spend quality time with your
children by trick-or-treating with them-it's not only safer
for them to walk with an adult, but it also can be a lot of
fun for you.
The New Jersey State Police believe there is nothing more
important than the safety and care of children. Please consider
these suggestions and have a safe and happy Halloween.
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