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Halloween Safety on and Off the Road

Do your children love the magic of Halloween, with trick-or-treating, classroom parties, and trips to a neighborhood haunted house? Halloween excitement must leave room for safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. Making your children aware of the importance of safety before releasing them into the Halloween night can give you peace of mind. Below are a few safety tips to discuss with your children and for yourself if you are out driving during the trick-or-treat night. This year’s excitement may be tempered from past years’, but it should still be memorable.

Costume Safety:

• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is non-toxic. Always test it on the skin first to make sure your child is not sensitive to it.
• Avoid vision-obstructive masks
• If children are out after dark, reflective tape or light colors on their costumes and bags can make them visible to drivers and others on the road.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the correct size to prevent trips and falls.
• According to local guidelines and CDC recommendations, it is recommended that everyone wear a face covering while out in public.

On the Prowl, Walking Safety:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
• If you have older children going out alone, plan and review a route and time to be home that is acceptable to you.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Remind children and adults to put electronics down, keep heads up, and walk…do not run…across the streets.
• Use sidewalks or pathways. If there are none, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys very carefully.
• Watch for children in dark clothing at nighttime.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
• Slow down, and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Be especially alert for kids during these hours.

About Shepards Automotive Center

David L. Shepard, Inc. was founded in 1978 by its namesake, David L. Shepard. Our commitment to providing exceptional automotive and marine repair service allowed us to grow immensely throughout the first decade. Shepards Automotive Center’s expanding, loyal customer base proved to be too much for our downtown waterfront space. We look forward to providing you with outstanding automotive and marine repair services. Contact us at 978.465.5973 we are open, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Visit our website here.