LCSO, NHP offer Halloween safety tips

Halloween

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Lyon Couty Sheriff’s Office will be joining residents of Lyon County for the annual Trick or Treat observance on Tuesday, Oc. 31

The Sheriff’s Office will provide an increased neighborhood presence to ensure the safety of children, and will also pass out candy and Junior Deputy Stickers.

LCSO asked everyone to exercise enhanced caution and safety during this period. Homewners should turn on their porch light so children know it is all right to visit their home.

If you see any suspicious activities, call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 463-6620.

The Sheriff’s Office asks Trick or Treaters to follow these safety rules:

• Do not wear costumes obscure your vision.
• Wear reflective clothing or light-colored clothing to be more visible to motorists.
• Travel in groups with at least one adult.
• Have a preplanned route.
• Where possible, use crosswalks.
• Visit familiar homes, and do not enter a stranger’s home.
• Be prepared for adverse weather.
• Refrain from eating treats until they are inspected by an adult.

The Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol are reminding drivers and pedestrians to be safe on the road this Halloween and every day.

There have been a total of eight traffic deaths and 578 crashes during the past four Halloweens in Nevada. For enhanced safety, NDOT and NHP reminds drivers and pedestrians to always focus on and share the road. Pedestrians should cross the street legally, making eye contact with drivers and waiting for drivers to stop before crossing. Pedestrians should also make themselves visible, whether wearing a reflective costume on Halloween Day or reflective gear on other days.

Drivers should always watch for pedestrians and yield when necessary. This is particularly true on Halloween night, when young trick-or-treaters are out in force.  Drivers are also reminded to never drive impaired. Please make sure your children do not ride with anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol. Those planning to drink should choose a designated sober driver in advance.

Overall, there have been 234 traffic deaths in Nevada this year, 18 fewer fatalities than the same time last year.

Traffic safety information is available at zerofatalitiesnv.com.

Drivers

• Use caution while behind the wheel.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Drive sober or get pulled over.
• Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating Halloween with alcohol or other intoxicants.
• Use your community’s sober ride program or take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement or *NHP.

Pedestrians

• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Keep kids safe.
• Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
• Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
• Remember, everyone is a pedestrian at some time.
• Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.