(Spirit Lake)– Authorities are reminding everyone to everyone to be extra safe this Halloween. Spirit Lake Police Chief Jeff Hanson has this advice for trick-or-treaters:…
“Make sure you cross the street at the corners using traffic signals and crosswalks when possible. Put your electronic devices down, keep your heads up and walk, don’t run across the streets. And always walk on sidewalks or paths and if there are no sidewalks walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible and make sure you watch for cars that are turning or backing up and never dart out into the street or across the street between parked cars. Another thing is make sure you just go to residences that have their outside lights on.”
Hanson says drivers will also need to use some extra caution…
“Make sure you slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are going to be excited on Halloween and may be moving in unpredictable ways or running. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections or medians or on the curbs. And make sure when you enter and exit driveways and alleys, do so slowly and very carefully. And as far as drivers too, make sure you get rid of any distractions in your vehicle like your phone so that way you can concentrate on your driving and the roadway.”
Hanson says typically the southwest side of Spirit Lake, west of the schools, has the most pedestrian traffic Halloween evening. He says the Spirit Lake Police Department will have additional officers on duty to help keep an eye on things.
Designated hours tomorrow (Thurs.) for trick-or-treating in Spirit Lake and most area communities will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.
