Nassau County, NY - October 14, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Department of Health join Safe Kids Nassau County in promoting pedestrian safety awareness this Halloween. With daylight hours getting shorter, children are more likely to be trick-or-treating in the dark when it is more difficult for drivers to see them. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, twice as many children are killed in pedestrian/vehicle incidents on Halloween between 4 p.m. -10 p.m. as compared to the same hours on other days throughout the years.
“Halloween is an exciting time of the year for our children,” said County Executive Mangano. “I urge parents to review safety with their children this Halloween, and I wish all an exciting fun-filled day.”
“Halloween festivities give opportunities for parents, teachers, and child caregivers to educate our young children about pedestrian and motor vehicle safety tips,” said Rosemarie Ennis, Director of Safe Kids New York State.
Nassau County Executive Mangano and Safe Kids Nassau County offer the following Halloween safety tips for parents and drivers:
- Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using signals and crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.
- Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.
- Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Do not use electronic devices while walking.
- Costumes can be both creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up instead. Children should carry flashlights in order to see and be seen.
- Be especially alert. Children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period between 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
- Drive slowly. Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic. Full headlights should be on so that children can be spotted from greater distances.
- Reduce distractions. Eliminate driver distractions such as talking on the telephone or eating.
Although pedestrian safety is a main concern on Halloween, parents also need to keep in mind that there are other hazards for their children on this holiday. For more tips on how to keep kids safe while walking on Halloween and throughout the year, visit here and search Halloween.
About Safe Kids Nassau County:
Safe Kids Nassau County is a coalition of public and private organizations working together to prevent injuries to children. Unintentional injuries are the number one killer of children ages 2 to 14. Local statistics have identified the need to focus on: child passenger safety, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and fire/burn safety. Safe Kids Nassau County coalition members have a passion to protect children and help them grow up safe and healthy.
The North Shore-LIJ Health System serves as the lead organization for the Nassau County Safe Kids Coalition who's 57 health agencies, organizations and hospitals membership collaboratively service its county's 4 million children.
