City of Rockford recently issued the following announcement.
Halloween can be a fun time of year for kids and parents alike. However, the activities associated with the holiday can lead to dangerous situations. For instance, trick-or-treating increases the number of pedestrians on the road and sidewalks, meaning drivers need to be more alert than usual.
Here are some tips to be safe when sharing the roadway-- especially on Halloween:
As a driver:
• Avoid using handheld electronic devices.
• If you see a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Be especially alert for all road users, including pedestrians, at night.
• Slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. Keep your windshield clean.
• Remember that as soon as you step out of your car, you become a pedestrian.
As a pedestrian:
• Make yourself visible to motorists whenever possible. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
• Walk on a sidewalk if one is available.
• Follow the rules of the road at driveways and intersections. Cross with a traffic signal if there is one, and even if you have the right of way, make sure traffic has stopped or passed before you step into the street.
• Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night. Alcohol affects judgment, balance, and reaction time. Create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely. Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Original source can be found here.
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