SILOAM SPRINGS — Pedestrians who plan to rove the streets this Halloween needto be aware of the law and recommendations that might affect how they trick or treat.

Lt. Bryan Austin of Siloam Springs Police Department recently responded to several questions posed by the Herald-Leader regarding pedestrian and trick or treating safety.

His answers follow the questions:

1. What laws must pedestrians be aware of before going for a walk along city streets? For example, is walking in the road against the law? If so, what charge would the person face and fine amount or penalty?

While walking the neighborhoods individuals should remember to use crosswalks and intersections. State statute 27-51-1204, pedestrians crossing at other than crosswalks, shows that “every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the rightof-way to all vehicles upon the roadway”. Aminimum fine of $35 and court cost, determined by a judge, could be assessed.

2. What is the recommended way to walk along the road, especially if there is no sidewalk?

It is best to walk on a sidewalk or grassy area adjacent to the street. However, if a safe place to walk is not available and pedestrians need to walk in the street, it is recommended they walk against the flow of traffic. This will allow individuals to see oncoming traffic and react if needed.

3. Are there any times ofday or areas of the city pedestrians should avoid walking? If so, when and where?

I do not know of any area an individual should avoid. It is best to walk in an area that has adequate lighting. This will allow motorist to see individuals walking on the side of the roadway or when crossing at intersections or crosswalks.

4. Do you have any advice for trick or treaters as they walk through neighborhoods around town for Halloween?

Plan safe routes so parents know where theirolder children will be at all times. Set times for them to make contact with a parent or guardian and return home.

Parents should warn children and young adults not to eat any treat before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering.

Only approach well lit homes.

Children should never enter a home without a guardian’s or parents’ permission.

Children should never approach a vehicle unless they are familiar with the vehicle and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If anyone tries to grab or abduct a child, the child needs to make a loud and obvious scene: screaming for help, yelling this is not my parent (mother, father, and grandparent). The child should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

Make sure costumes are of light colored or bright material to be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate costumes and candy bags with reflective tape that will glow when illuminated with headlights. Glow sticks and or flashlights can also be carried.

Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.

Individuals should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to also help from tripping and falling. Walk do not run from house to house.

Apply decorative makeup rather than loose-fitting masks that might restrict breathing or obscure vision.

If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eye holes large enough to see out of (allowing for a full field view).

Axes, knives, and swords should be of soft flexible material.

5. Is it illegal to send a child with a group of children to go trick or treating in a neighborhood? If so, what charge would the parent or guardian face and fine amount or penalty?

Children should be adequately supervised.

Smaller children should never be allowed to go out alone. Make sure an older (mature) sibling or adult is with them at all times. Make sure they understand it is important for them to stay together as a group if trick or treating without an adult.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to say about pedestrians or trick or treaters?

Enjoy yourselves, be safe and have fun.

Lifestyles, Pages 18 on 10/28/2009

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