Halloween Safety Tips for Cabot Families: Driving, Trick-or-Treating, and Trunk-or-Treat

Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and in Cabot that means a full day of fun: church and school trunk-or-treats, neighborhood trick-or-treating, and plenty of parties. It also means more kids on the streets, earlier in the evening than usual, and more drivers on the road. Here are some easy ways to keep the night safe for everyone.

For Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for child pedestrians. Costumes can be dark, masks can block a child's view, and excited trick-or-treaters don't always stop at the curb.

• Drive slowly in neighborhoods, well under the speed limit, especially from late afternoon through about 9 p.m.
• Watch for kids between parked cars and crossing mid-block.
• Switch on your headlights early, before dusk, to see and be seen.
• Back out of driveways slowly and walk around your truck first if kids are nearby. Full-size pickups and SUVs have large blind zones close to the vehicle.
• Skip the phone. Keep your attention on the road.
• Line up a sober ride before heading to a Halloween party.

Ford Safety Features That Can Help

Many newer Ford models offer Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features, such as Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, and, on equipped vehicles, Reverse Brake Assist or a 360-degree camera. These can be a real help in a busy neighborhood, but they're designed to assist an attentive driver, not replace one. Available features vary by model and trim, so check your owner's manual to see what your Ford has.

Hosting a Trunk-or-Treat? Set Up Your Ford Safely

Trucks and SUVs make great trunk-or-treat stations. Whether you're decorating an F-150 tailgate or the cargo area of an Explorer or Expedition, keep these tips in mind:

• Park, shift to Park, and turn the engine off before kids arrive. Set the parking brake.
• Keep decorations clear of the exhaust and avoid open flames. Battery-powered lights are the safer choice.
• Go easy on the vehicle's interior lights and audio with the engine off so you don't drain the battery. A portable power station works well, and on equipped trucks, Pro Power Onboard can power lights and speakers.
• Secure the tailgate and make sure decorations can't fall on little ones.
• Don't start the engine or move the vehicle until the lot is clear of children.

Driving Your Own Trick-or-Treaters

• Buckle up every time, even for short trips between neighborhoods. Car seats and booster seats still apply.
• Make sure bulky costumes don't interfere with seat belts or car seat harnesses.
• Have kids get in and out on the curb side.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and candy bags, and send kids out with a flashlight.

Clocks Fall Back the Next Morning

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, the morning after Halloween. With darker evening drives ahead, now is a good time to make sure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals all work and your windshield is clean.

Stop by Red River Ford in Cabot

If you have a bulb out, a weak battery, or a driver-assist warning on your dash, our service team can help. Schedule your service appointment online or call 501-843-3536. We're at 2040 W Main St. in Cabot. Happy and safe Halloween from all of us at Red River Ford!