Halloween is a time for scary events and horror movies, but we don’t want any of those themes to actually happen.
Safety on Halloween is a priority for not only the children who are out trick-or-treating but also for those college students who are going out to parties and having fun around town. On average, 3,200 people will go to the emergency room for injuries on Halloween, whether that be from carving pumpkins, getting in a car accident or even getting caught on fire.
Ron Bridge, chief of police and director of public safety, said, “Halloween brings a significant increase in pedestrian traffic, which can be the cause for vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic-related accidents.”
Here are some ways you can stay safe on Halloween.
Never go out alone
Going out with a group is always a smart choice. Halloween is often a time when being in public with costumes, masks and makeup on can invite those with bad intentions to the scene. Staying with a group can help defy the odds of someone approaching you due to being outnumbered.
Making a buddy system when you’re going out is important to stay safe, but it is especially important when going out to parties. Having someone know where you are at all times or having someone with you is a smart way to lessen the chance of something bad happening like a kidnapping or being attacked.
Be aware of your surroundings
Knowing the route you will take is a way to avoid getting lost or in a place you’ve never been before. This will also help with crossing the street less and avoiding the risk of getting hit by a car. Making a clear order of how the night will go as well as who you will be with can make things run smoother.
Be aware of what you’re putting in your body
Being aware of your surroundings also includes being aware of what you’re ingesting. Never take anything from someone you don’t know, and never leave your drink or food unattended.
Knowing and trusting your neighbors doesn’t always mean that the candy they are handing out is safe. Checking candy for any danger is the best approach to make sure none of it has been opened or tampered with.
Parties always happen in college. This can influence drinking and drug usage as well as making bad choices when you are with others. It is important to be responsible from the very beginning of the night.
Bridge said: “Drinking responsibly and using a designated driver may save a life. It may also keep you out of jail.”
Wear brighter colors to be seen by traffic.
With cars zooming past, people who are wearing dark colors have a higher chance of getting hit by a car. Wearing brighter colors like yellows or pinks will allow you to be more seen in the dark. This doesn’t mean that if the bright colors are worn, the risk is completely gone. It simply helps the issue.
Always use caution when crossing the street, especially with young children.
Don’t drink and drive
Caden Doyle, a junior English major from Park City, said he thinks the biggest issue on Halloween is the traffic.
Have a designated driver picked out from the very beginning of the night. If a designated driver isn’t available, have a plan of how to get around safely whether that is an Uber or some other form of transportation. If transportation isn’t available either, make sure wherever you end up for the night is a safe space.
Along with drinking, be sure to stay aware of how much you are drinking. Mixing substances as well as over-drinking is dangerous. An estimated 40% of people killed in car accidents involved at least one intoxicated driver.
Joseph Gee, a sophomore English major from Preston, Idaho, said, “There should be a little more heightened awareness for any emergency.”
Halloween is a night that many people celebrate, but it is also a night that many people dread due to the high levels of danger. Enjoy this Halloween, but don’t put your life or anyone else’s at risk while having too much fun.
