HARRISBURG – As ghosts, witches, mermaids and pirates will soon be trick-or-treating on streets across the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today urged motorists to slow down and watch for pedestrians.
With many communities preparing for trick-or-treat night and neighborhood parades, PennDOT reminds motorists to obey speed limits and watch for children walking along the road or who may run into the street.
Parents and guardians can also help keep children safe by buying or making brightly-colored, highly-visible costumes that do not interfere with a child’s ability to see, hear or walk. Strips of reflective tape should be added to darker-colored costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
Carrying a flashlight or glow stick is another way to help ensure children can be seen by motorists. An adult should always accompany children while they are trick-or-treating.
Along with warning motorists, PennDOT also encourages adults to review safety behaviors with their children. Children should be reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and dangers that traffic may present. Children should walk instead of running when crossing streets and remember to always look both ways for approaching cars before stepping off the curb. Children are also encouraged to remain on sidewalks whenever possible.
