Looking out for little 'monsters'

By Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor

Monday, Oct. 31, is Halloween. As everyone knows, that means young children and their parents will be out trick-or-treating in the evening hours. Motorists need to take extra care when driving along city streets. Youngsters often have a difficult time curbing their enthusiasm for the evening, and if someone were to dart out into the street at the wrong time, the results could be catastrophic.

But drivers - and pedestrians - need to take extra care not just on Halloween, but throughout the fall and winter months. The sun rises later and sets earlier, meaning people who follow set routines for their walking, or children heading to school, can find themselves in the dark.

It is always a smart idea to follow simple traffic safety procedures when driving, but especially at this time of year, when youngsters are outside and not accustomed to the dangers in place when walking along roadways.

Parents - do your part. Make sure your children are wearing bright or reflective clothing and be aware of what they are doing.

And drivers - keep your eyes open and your attention on the road, not on the radio or cell phone. It only takes a split second of inattentiveness, coupled with one youngster making a mad dash to the next house, in search of a candy, for tragedy to strike.