OC Sheriff’s Office offers Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

With Halloween next Tuesday, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is offering these safety tips so you and your children will be safe as you enjoy all the various activities. “We are asking our citizens to drive carefully especially from the late afternoon hours into the nighttime hours starting this weekend and into next Tuesday and to please watch out for children and families that will be walking around or driving to the various activities going on,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Many cities, businesses, organizations and churches here in the Golden Corner will be hosting events this weekend and into next Tuesday and with that being said, you can expect heavier than normal vehicular and pedestrian traffic at times during this period.” Safe Kids Worldwide has previously reported that children on Halloween are more than twice more likely to be struck by a vehicle and killed than during any other day of the year. With that information in mind, the Sheriff’s Office is offering these safety tips: All costumes and bags should have some type of reflective material. You may want to consider wearing costumes that are light in color. Look into carrying glow sticks and flashlights which can be used to make sure drivers can see you and your children if you are walking. If you are going to be driving a motor vehicle, make sure you headlights, brake lights and other lights on your vehicle are working properly. Make sure that children have adult supervision and consider traveling in groups and in well-lit areas. Make sure costumes fit well to prevent falling and tripping hazards. Check all candy to make sure it is sealed in its packaging properly and has not been tampered with. If you are going around from house to house to trick-or-treat, make sure you go to the houses of family, friends and neighbors and those you know. As mentioned, many cities, businesses, organizations and churches will be hosting related events so this is a good option for safety reasons as well. “One other factor to consider this weekend and into next Tuesday will be Halloween celebrations in which alcohol will be served, plus, expect busy traffic on Saturday and into early Sunday morning with Clemson’s football game this weekend in Death Valley against Georgia Tech,” continues Sheriff Crenshaw. “We are asking that if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, that you have a designated driver or a place to stay for the night but please, do not drink and drive. Also, make sure to watch your speed as you travel on the roads and please wear your seatbelt.”