(COLO)—As trick-or-treaters take to the streets, the Colorado State Patrol wants motorists and pedestrians to do their part as they share the road for an evening of trick-or-treating and fun. While it is tempting to let excited kids lead the way or even take off without you, parents need to actively participate as the pedestrian superhero and be a visible part of this experience.
“Being close to home and having your kid walking in a group can give parents a false sense of security,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Nationally, Halloween has a frightening reputation for pedestrian fatalities, and any low light activity on our roadways raises risk. In Colorado, 70% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the evening.”
Nationally, Halloween has been one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. In a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association, 42 years of data were analyzed; they found the risk of a pedestrian fatality was 43 percent higher on Halloween.
“Kids love the magic of Halloween, so we all need to do our part to ensure they are practicing road and pedestrian safety,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Talk to your older kids and go with your younger ones. Being a good role model by crossing at intersections and wearing something bright shows them they can have fun and also do it safely.”
Being a better pedestrian means demonstrating responsibility for your personal safety. The Colorado State Patrol and NHTSA offer these important tips:
- Parents should accompany children younger than 12.
- Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds.
- Go trick-or-treating before it is truly dark, especially with young children. NHTSA reports that most pedestrian deaths occur after dark (77 percent), based on 2021 data.
- Wear something reflective or have your child carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Pedestrians shouldn’t assume they have the right of way. Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.
- Children should stay on sidewalks instead of walking between cars or on lawns, where there could be tripping hazards.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.