KHP: Caution urged this Halloween

The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging motorists and community members to practice caution as Halloween approaches.

Caution can be the key to safety as an increasing number of people are out, including pedestrians walking, parents driving their children, and people attending Halloween parties. It is imperative that safety play a role in the fun during the day and evening’s celebrations.

“Halloween brings a wide audience to the roads. There are children and parents traveling and out walking.  You also have adults celebrating the holiday, some of whom have had too much to drink,” said Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Patrol. “Awareness is so important here. Those out walking should watch the roads, double-checking before you cross the streets. Likewise, those out driving need to pay extra attention to the streets, curbs, and sidewalks as you travel.  If you’re going to be out drinking, you need to designate a sober driver.”

Five people were killed during crashes over the Halloween weekend last year.  Three of those killed were involved in alcohol-related crashes.

Overall, there were 725 crashes that injured 236 people during the 78 hour reporting period for Halloween 2008. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 48 of the total crashes, injuring 24 people.

The Patrol has check lanes and saturation patrols scheduled in several communities October 31, the night of Halloween. During a saturation patrol, many troopers, and possibly local police and sheriff’s department officers converge on a specific area, looking for any drivers who are violating Kansas law.  A reduction in drinking and driving and taking added safety precautions will help keep the citizens of our state safe on Halloween. This is an exciting time of year for people of all ages and practicing safety will help preserve the fun for all.    

In an effort to reduce this number, the Kansas Highway Patrol is offering the following safety tips.

For Families:
•    Trick or treat as a group, and never leave each other's side.
•    Make sure at least one adult is with any group of children.
•    Stay on the sidewalks and use crosswalks. When you are crossing the street, make sure you are looking both ways and check each side twice. Make sure not to dart out from behind parked vehicles, this will make you harder for oncoming traffic to see, and they will have less time to slow down and stop for you.
•    Wear brightly colored costumes. Make sure they don’t block you or your child’s vision and they do not drag on the ground. Reflective tape is recommended for those costumes that are not highly visible.
•    Only go to familiar neighborhoods and homes with their lights
on.
•    Carry a flashlight.
•    Try to complete your trick-or-treating prior to dark if at all possible.
•    Parents need to inspect candy before their children consume it.

•    Remember to have everyone wear their seatbelts and use child restraint devices.

For Drivers:
•    Drivers need to slow down and pay close attention to the curbs for pedestrians waiting to cross the street. It is important to remember that children are excited for the evening and possibly not paying attention to traffic. There also will be people in dark costumes, making them less visible.
•    Never, for any reason, drive while you are impaired.
•    Remember to fasten your seatbelt and use child restraint devices.

For those planning to consume alcohol:
•    If you are going out to drink and celebrate, designate a sober driver before-hand and give them the keys. If a sober driver is not available, call a taxi, friend, or family member to pick you up.
•    See if your community has a sober rides program, and utilize them if you are out drinking.
•    If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call your local law enforcement. On the highway, you can dial *47 from a cell phone to get to your local Patrol dispatcher.
•    Don't forget to wear your seatbelt.