Officials offer safety tips for parents and drivers ahead of Halloween

PIEDMONT TRIAD, NC – Halloween is just around the corner and safety may be a big concern for some parents this holiday.

That’s why local authorities are sharing some tips to ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween night.

“We want children to have a great and fun time on Halloween,” said Dr. Michael Mitchell, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at Brenner Children’s Hospital. “And we want them to make it to their beds that night.”

While Halloween is a fun night for many children, it can also be dangerous.

“The world is still happening while children are running from door to door,” explained Dr. Mitchell. “And what I mean by the world is that the traffic and the cars are still trying to get home from work while the kids are starting their trick-or-treating.”

Dr. Mitchell said he’s seen the danger Halloween can lead to before.

“We [Brenner Children’s Hospital] are a Level 1 trauma center. “If there’s a tragic event on Halloween, those patients come to us,” he said. “And so we see the evidence of that trauma.”

That’s why he urges people to be prepared on Halloween.

“We need everyone here – everyone in the community – from the drivers to the parents. “Everyone just cares about the safety of these children,” Dr. Mitchell out.

He told the parents that the main thing was to keep an eye on the children.

“That you pay attention and make sure they don’t run into the street. “That you always stop at intersections before crossing,” he said.

Another important tip: stick with what you know. Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood or in areas you’ve been to before. Also, stay away from highways and other major roads if possible.

Dr. Mitchell emphasized that drivers also play a role.

“When you go into the neighborhoods that you need to go into, be really careful and assume that they’re not looking for you, so you have to look for them,” he said. “That means you need to put the phone down and not be distracted by what’s happening in the car.”

Many parents ABC45 spoke with said these tips are the norm for them this Halloween.

“We stay in groups. We hit local churches and neighborhoods that we know are safe; and make sure we are in the house at a reasonable time,” said Brandie and Julia, two parents trick-or-treating with their children.

Because it’s about everyone’s safety.

“I don’t want any harm to come to my children or any other children,” Brandie said.

Other tips for a safe vacation include having children wear bright costumes or reflective/light-up items when going out, using flashlights, and making sure children stay with an adult at all times.