Extra Traffic Patrols for Halloween: Safety Tips and Times for Trick-or-Treat

Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey says his office will be participating in a countywide traffic detail targeting speed and alcohol related violations for Halloween.  Deputies will be conducting extra traffic enforcement and patrol on October 31st for Trick-Or-Treat night.

The following is the area Trick-or-Treat schedule:

• Prospect Village – October 30th 5pm to 6:30pm Parade at 7pm
• Morral Village – October 31st 5:30pm to 7pm
• Caledonia Village – October 31st 5:30pm to 7pm
• Green Camp Village – October 31st 5:30pm to 7:30pm
• Waldo Village – October 31st 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• Larue Village – October 30th 5pm to 6:30pm
• New Bloomington Village – October 30th 5:30pm to 6:30pm
• Marion Township – October 31st 5:30pm to 7:30pm
• Pleasant Township – October 31st 5:30pm to 7:30pm
• Marion City – October 31st 5:30pm to 7:30pm

In an effort to ensure the safety of the motoring public, the sheriff’s office will be enforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy on speeding, drunk driving, and seatbelt violations.  Marion County residents are urged to obey traffic laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

These extra patrol activities are made possible through a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.  The grant was awarded to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in a continued effort to lower traffic accidents related to alcohol, speed, and seatbelt violations.

The American Red Cross says that Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and traffic accidents, so they are offering the following tips to help make this Halloween safe:

• Look for flame-resistant costumes.
• Plan the Trick-or-Treat route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
• Make sure the Trick-or-Treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
• Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, consider using face paint.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around pets and any other animals.

The Red Cross also offered the following tips for those people welcoming ghosts and goblins to their homes.

• Make sure the outdoor light is on and the area is well lit.
• Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain any household pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.