Dubuque, Iowa - Oct. 27^th, 2014: Little ghouls and goblins will be roaming the streets for trick-or-treat night this Friday, October 31^st from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The increased pedestrian traffic at twilight and after means drivers need to be more mindful than ever to scan streets and intersections for pedestrians, especially children.

A study by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute showed that after daylight hours on trick-or-treat night pedestrian fatalities involving children age 15 and under are about 4.5 times the level of other nights of the year.

Excitement may overtake judgment for some trick-or-treaters, and parents sometimes overestimate children's street-crossing skills. The pedestrian skills of children may be limited by several factors related to their physical size and developmental stage. For instance, young children may lack the physical ability to cross a street quickly, and their small size limits their visibility to drivers. Children are likely to choose the shortest rather than the safest route to cross streets, often darting out between parked cars. In addition, young children do not evaluate potential traffic threats effectively, cannot anticipate driver behavior and process sensory information slower than adults.

Safety tips for drivers

• Drive slowly.
• Watch for children in the street and on medians.
• Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

The Safe Kids Coalition encourages parents to use Halloween as an opportunity to remind children of the rules for navigating the streets and sidewalks and to take precautions to ensure that their costumed kids will be seen by drivers this Halloween.

ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if s/he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.                                   OVER
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

CARVING A NICHE:

• Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins – otherwise consider battery-operated lighting.  Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

HOME SAFE HOME:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
• When exiting a vehicle, get out of the vehicle on the curb side and not on the traffic side.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
  • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
  • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

  • Contacts:  Lieutenant Scott Baxter, (563) 589-4473

    Assistant Chief Terry Tobin, (563) 589-4444