With Halloween upon us, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a reminder to families to prioritize safety as children prepare to go trick-or-treating. Data shows that children are twice as likely to be involved in a pedestrian-vehicle accident on Halloween between 4 – 10 p.m. compared to other days.
To reduce risks, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office advises families to use crosswalks and ensure children make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets.
“Staying safe means using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and making sure drivers see the children before they cross,” said Sheriff Jonathon Horton. “Look for eye contact to confirm they’re paying attention.”
To improve children’s visibility, Sheriff Horton recommends adding reflective tape or wristbands to costumes.
“Drivers are often looking around at everything happening on Halloween night, and reflective materials make a big difference when headlights hit them,” Horton explained.
Additionally, he cautions against costumes that could cause safety issues, such as masks that limit vision or oversized clothing that could lead to tripping.
For children under the age of 13, the Sheriff’s Office encourages parents or guardians to accompany them while trick-or-treating. Although a national survey reveals that 12 percent of parents allow children as young as five years old to go alone, Horton advises that young children should be supervised whenever possible. For older children going out independently, he suggests checking in every 30 minutes or using a tracking app for added safety.
“There are many apps available that allow parents to keep track of their kids while still allowing them to have fun with friends,” Horton said.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s App is also available to help families monitor registered sex offenders in neighborhoods where trick-or-treating will occur.
The Sheriff’s Office aims to ensure everyone in Etowah County has a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
“Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the holiday and return home safely,” said Horton.
Submitted by Etowah County Sheriff’s Office
