KSP Offers Trick or Treating Safety Tips

Little ghouls and goblins will be running in the streets tonight to trick-or-treat and Kentucky State Police want to make sure your kids stay safe.

KSP Lt. David Jude says the agency wants the children to have a fun but safe trick or treating experience.

“Halloween is traditionally a time for children to have fun, but most often it is the children who can be injured by situations that are avoidable,” says Jude. “Be sure your child’s costume does not obstruct their vision and is not so cumbersome that they can trip over it.”

“On Halloween evening, we’re placing our children in probably some of the most dangerous traffic situations you could imagine,” adds Jude. “Our children are outside after dark, they walk along and cross unfamiliar streets and they often wear dark colors which are difficult for motorists to see.”

Below are some safety tips for adults and youngsters so you can enjoy this special night:

• Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible.
• Younger children should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling.
• Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they have been checked by an adult.
• Make sure your child is able to see out of their mask properly and can walk in their costume without tripping.
• Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.
• Inspect your child's candy before they eat it. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious looking goodies. If your child does get sick, call your doctor or the hospital emergency room immediately and save all wrappers. It is also helpful to determine what he or she ate and where it came from.
• Talk to your children about ‘stranger-danger’ and the safety precautions when around someone they do not know.

The KSP also wants to remind those driving on Halloween to be extra cautious of small pedestrians.