BETHLEHEM, Pa. – For kids, the goal is candy. For adults, it might be a night out. But police say both come with safety risks, especially when pedestrians and drivers share the road after dark.
“Halloween is one of those nights where children are excited, and they’re focused on the next house, but not necessarily the traffic around them,” Capt. William Audelo with Bethlehem Police said.
“Crosswalks are probably the most important thing. We don’t want them to run out mid-block, because that’s frequently where we do have our pedestrian accidents,” he explained.
With costumes making children harder to see, Captain Audelo says visibility is key.
“It’s going to be dark out, so it’s a great idea to have reflective tape or bring a flashlight with you,” Capt. Audelo said. “We always encourage parents to make sure their children’s costumes are visible.”
Bethlehem police plan to have extra officers out during trick-or-treating hours, watching for drivers and pedestrians.
“If something occurs during the night that makes you feel uncomfortable, something doesn’t feel right, or maybe there’s an emergency, make sure you have your phone, make sure it’s charged. You can call us. We will come out and help you in any way possible that we can,” Capt. Audelo explains.
But safety concerns don’t end when the candy bags are put away.
“You still have to have a plan, Right? Planning never ends. So have a plan to meet up with your friends or to order that Uber to find some kind of transportation home, if you’re going to be drinking,” Capt. Audelo said.
Whether you’re taking the kids out or heading downtown for Halloween festivities, officers say a little planning goes a long way.
“Enjoy the night, but just be safe, be visible, use those crosswalks, have a plan,” Capt. Audelo emphasizes.
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