Watch for Trick-or-Treaters

October 28, 2013

The Fort Myers Police Department reminds drivers to be extra careful Halloween night. Drivers should be vigilant, slow down and avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are more likely to be. Police will be looking for speeding, reckless driving and impaired drivers. Trick-or-treaters should also be careful. Children are always at greater risk as pedestrians because of their shorter stature and unreliable judgment about when and where to cross streets. 

• Parents should accompany children.
• Plan a trick-or-treat route ahead of time and remind children to never cross the street at mid-block or between parked cars.
• Cross streets only at corners.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Choose costumes that do not obstruct vision, and opt for nontoxic face paint instead of masks. Parents should add reflective material to a child’s costume and adjust the length of any costume that may cause a child to trip.
• Adults who plan to attend a party should plan a safe way home before festivities begin. Designate a sober driver.

Police would also like to remind parents of the City’s Youth Protection Ordinance that requires children to be home by 9:00 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or another adult authorized by the parent of the minor to have custody of the minor; or with a person 21 years of age or older and that person has permission of the parent of the minor to be in charge of that juvenile.

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