Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips from St. Helens Police

Halloween should be a fun time for families, but it can also be dangerous. Trick-or-treaters are at a higher risk of being injured in pedestrian versus vehicle accidents, and holidays usually mean more drunk drivers are on the road.  

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday with the following safety tips:

• Stay in groups and have an adult act as a chaperone while trick -or-treating
• Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights with costumes so that you are more visible to vehicles
• Always use a sidewalk if one is available and cross streets in a crosswalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
• Trick-or-treat on well-lit streets
• Consider using non-toxic face paint or makeup instead of a mask for your child’s costume. Masks can obstruct you child’s vision.
• If you believe that you’ve spotted a drunk driver on the road, report it. Call dispatch at 503-397-1521 to make a report.  
• While driving on Halloween, slow down and take extra precautions. Children will likely be in areas where you do not normally see them.

Published October 25, 2022