Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Red Cross share Halloween safety tips

Local authorities and the American Red Cross urge drivers to slow down and encourage families to take precautions while trick-or-treating.

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Halloween approaching, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross are reminding families and drivers to take precautions to help keep children safe while trick-or-treating.

Capt. Travis Douglas with the Jones County Sheriff’s Office says drivers should slow down in residential neighborhoods and watch for children who may unexpectedly enter the road.

“We want the kids to enjoy Halloween,” Douglas said. “We want everything to be safe, the children to be safe.”

Douglas says children may become distracted by the excitement of Halloween and wear costumes that make them difficult for drivers to see. He encourages drivers to slow down to give themselves more time to react.

The American Red Cross is also urging families to take extra precautions. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Suzanne Lawler, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross, says families should take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

“Halloween is fun, but there is a sobering statistic out there,” Lawler said. “According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, kids are twice as likely to be hit and killed on Halloween, so we really need to take precautions and keep our kiddos safe.”

The Red Cross recommends using face paint instead of masks when possible to ensure children can see clearly. Families should also consider adding reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, choosing light-colored clothing and carrying flashlights to help children stay visible.

Parents should accompany young children while trick-or-treating and remind them to walk instead of run. Children should use sidewalks when available and cross streets at corners or crosswalks.

The Red Cross also recommends inspecting candy before children eat it and throwing away any treats with open or damaged packaging.

Drivers are encouraged to use their headlights, avoid distractions and be especially cautious when backing out of driveways or driving through neighborhoods where children may be crossing between parked vehicles.