Fort Mitchell Fire Department urges Halloween safety as trick-or-treaters prepare to hit local roads
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- Fort Mitchell Fire Department urges drivers to slow down, avoid phones, and watch for costumed children on Halloween night.
- Parents should use flashlights, reflective costumes, and keep children close; recent accidents highlight serious Halloween safety risks.
With Halloween approaching, the Fort Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents to make safety a priority as children prepare to take to neighborhood roads and streets for an evening of trick-or-treating.
In a Halloween safety message, the department warned drivers and parents to remain especially alert as costumed children make their way through neighborhoods in search of candy.
“Those little dinosaurs, princesses, superheroes, and skeletons are going to be everywhere,” the department said, urging motorists to slow down, put away their phones, and watch carefully for children who may suddenly emerge from behind parked vehicles.
The department also pointed out that many local roads are dark and lack sidewalks, creating additional dangers for pedestrians.
Drivers Urged to Slow Down and Stay Alert
Motorists are encouraged to:
* Keep their eyes on the road and avoid distractions, especially cellphones. * Reduce their speed in residential areas. * Watch for children crossing streets and emerging from between parked vehicles. * Remain especially cautious on poorly lit roads.
Parents Asked to Take Extra Precautions
Parents and guardians are also being encouraged to take steps to make sure children are visible and safe while trick-or-treating.
Safety recommendations include carrying flashlights or glow sticks, choosing costumes with reflective or visible features, keeping children close to adults, and making sure masks do not interfere with a child’s ability to see.
The department also recommends that pedestrians walk facing traffic and remain as far off the roadway as possible.
Recent Accidents Highlight the Importance of Safety
The department shared a sobering reminder about the dangers associated with Halloween traffic in the Fort Mitchell area.
According to the Fort Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, the past two Halloween seasons have included a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle and multiple motor vehicle accidents in the area.
Fire officials say those incidents are a reminder that Halloween safety must be taken seriously by both motorists and families.
While firefighters enjoy seeing the creativity of Halloween costumes and the excitement of trick-or-treaters, the department says its preference is to see families safely enjoying the holiday rather than responding to preventable emergencies.
As Halloween festivities get underway, the department is encouraging everyone to enjoy the candy, costumes, and neighborhood fun while keeping safety at the forefront.
The department closed its message with a fitting reminder:
“Keep the scary stuff in the haunted houses, not on our roads!”
The Fort Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
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