Trick or treat… Let’s keep it safe with treats, not tricks. Have fun, but don’t make the kind of memories that come with fingerprints. Stay safe on Halloween.

Halloween is a prime night for wild nights, candy, and spooky fun, and sometimes questionable decisions. Behind the masks and moonlight, it’s also a time to stay alert. Whether you’re heading out with little goblins or hosting haunted happenings at home, a few smart precautions can make all the difference in staying safe on Halloween night.

Last year, a shooting injured four people in downtown New Haven on Halloween night. What began as a fun night in the bars ended in a terrible experience for many. There is nothing scarier than the thought of you or a loved one being hurt. With Halloween approaching, we must prioritize safety efforts.

Avoid Real Scares: Top 5 Ways To Stay Safe on Halloween

1. Drive Slowly
2. Use Crosswalks
3. Be Visible
4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
5. Drink Responsibly

Here are 5 ways to stay safe on Halloween night:

1. Drive Slowly

Research indicates the risk of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween increases by 43% compared to other nights, with children ages 4-8 being 10 times more likely to be hit by a vehicle. If you must drive in residential areas, keep your speed low to avoid accidents. Stay vigilant and linger at stop signs to guarantee that all individuals crossing the road have done so successfully. Speeding through residential areas on Halloween will inevitably result in negative experiences for everyone.

2. Use Crosswalks

Jaywalking is illegal in Connecticut. While cars should drive slowly on Halloween to watch for trick-or-treaters, pedestrians also have the responsibility to utilize crosswalks. This is to ensure your own safety!

Jaywalking is defined as the act of crossing the road illegally or without regard to oncoming traffic. Not only could doing this have dire physical consequences, but it may also result in a fine of up to $50 in the state of Connecticut.

3. Be Visible

In October, the sun begins setting earlier. During the peak trick-or-treating time of 5 to 8 p.m., the neighborhoods are left in darkness, making vision difficult. Individuals driving vehicles must be vigilant when passing through residential areas, but it is vital for pedestrians to wear reflective gear to remain visible and avoid potential accidents. If wearing reflective attire sounds unpleasant, hold a flashlight. Any way to remain visible is a way to stay safe on Halloween.

4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Halloween is the one day a year when wearing a mask and completely adopting a new identity is normalized. This may increase bravery in individuals, causing them to act more impulsively and uninhibited, especially if they have been drinking. People may be more likely to commit crimes, knowing their identity will be sealed.

Some individuals may hope to avoid consequences and, therefore, attempt to commit crimes. You must stay aware of your surroundings and use discernment. If something feels wrong, it may be in your best interest to leave the area.

5. Drink Responsibly

Like most holidays, Halloween is a day when many individuals are drinking. There are Hartford bar crawls, parties, and other events where alcohol may be involved. It is normal to engage in these activities; however, it is important to drink responsibly.

If you plan on drinking the ghosts away, arrange a mode of transportation that does not require you to be behind the wheel. More people are roaming the streets on Halloween than on most other days. Drinking and driving can result in fatalities on dark roads. It is best to avoid this entirely and order transportation through a rideshare app or have a designated driver.

Stay safe on Halloween by following these safety tips and have a frightfully fun night without any real scares. With a little caution and care, you can enjoy every spooky moment while keeping everyone safe. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween in Hartford or New Haven, keep in mind that local police will be enforcing the law, patrolling the roads through DUI checkpoints.

This post was contributed by Ava Alers, 3-D Bail Bonds Intern.