halloween

Are you all ready for Halloween?  No doubt you’re prepared for the costume parties, and you’ve got your candy ready for tonight.  But have you given any thought to Mischief Night?

Mischief Night is also known as Halloween. It involves a tradition that goes back to the late 1700’s, and is deeply ingrained in our country’s roots.  Today, the tradition is carried on by pre-teens, teenagers and even some rebellious adults, who “celebrate” the occasion by vandalizing cars and homes.

 

On Mischief Night, pranks can range from the silly and mostly harmless silly string and toilet papering, to more harmful vandalism like: smashing windows, spray painting, powder-bombing or having your side-view mirrors ripped off.  Unfortunately some pranks can result in permanent damage and costly repairs.

 

Naturally, you’re going to want to protect your new Penske vehicle from these mischievous pranksters.  Here are some tips to keep your car safe from vandalism:

 

Park in your garage

Vandals won’t be able to get to your car if its safely nestled in your garage.  Don’t have a garage?  Park your car a friend or family member’s house – preferably one that has a garage or lives in a gated community.  You could also use a cover and secure it with a lock or cable, activate your car alarm and/or use a special kit that includes high strength plastic-coated steel cable and weather-proof lock.

 

Keep Your Lights on

Give the impression that you’re still awake and at home – even if you went out for a Halloween party.  This can intimidate pranksters, who will move on to a more vulnerable looking home.

 

Stay Home

Instead of going out for the night, why not throw the party at your house?  With lots of people around, the pranksters won’t want to attract attention and get caught in the act.

Beware! The chances of children being hit by a car are much higher on Halloween night than any other night of the year.

Drivers need to take special precautions and watch out for young pedestrians on Halloween night.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that there are more than four times the average number of deaths for children between the ages of five and fifteen due to pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents on Halloween. Try to avoid venturing out in your car during this time, but if you have to, beware of the dangers and be very, very careful.

Tips for Drivers:

• Keep in mind that children may have very limited visibility due to the restrictions of their costumes. Don’t assume that they see you.
• Stay below the posted speed limit and never exceed 25 mph in any area where there might be trick-or-treaters, even if the posted speed is higher.
• Don’t pass other vehicles on the road that may be slowing down for trick-or-treating pedestrians. You may not see the kids, or they could be picking up or dropping off children.
• Please use added caution at intersections to look out for children who may be crossing the roadway.
• NEVER use your cell phone, navigation system, sound system, or other distracting devices while in a residential area that may have trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians.

Tips for the Parents:
Here are some reminders to help them stay safe and out of trouble.
• Warn children to cross the street only at intersections. More than half of child pedestrian casualties involve children darting into the street between intersections.
• Instruct children to always walk facing traffic, avoid trick-or-treating on busy streets.
• If a costume is particularly dark or camouflages with surroundings, apply reflective stickers or tape to make your child more visible to drivers.
• Have children carry a flashlight or glow stick while walking between houses to enhance visibility.
• Also, make sure children can see out of their costumes. Avoid using masks that may impair the child’s vision.
• Walk with your children or assign a chaperone if possible.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

It’s that time of the year again…