Tips for Staying Safe on Halloween

Messages urging caution on Halloween have come from several sources this week, including the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

In an online note to UW students, University President Richard McGinity and Chair of Business Ethics Bill Daniels encouraged responsible Halloween plans.  The note made a few suggestions as to how students can keep themselves and their peers safe:

Dear Students,

At the risk of sounding like your grandfather… or maybe even great-grandfather… I want you to know that your safety is very important to me and the entire UW community. With Halloween approaching, please think carefully about your plans. Keep your own safety — and that of your friends — uppermost in your minds. Here are a few suggestions.

Above all, look out for each other! Take responsibility for saying or doing something if you see a fellow cowboy or cowgirl in trouble. Be aware of your surroundings, and consider staying in a group of people you know well and can trust.

Our campus will be alive with activities all week! Make sure you enjoy a few of the great Halloween events that are planned. A list is available here: www.uwyo.edu/union/cac/halloweek.html.

If you are going to drink, do so legally and responsibly. Moderation is a must for your own safety and that of your friends. Set a limit for yourself, and stick to it. Plan on how to get home safely before you go out. Pour your own drinks and keep them in your possession at all times. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water and eat before, during and after drinking.

Know your resources, and program your phone with emergency information. On campus, UWPD may be reached at (307) 766-5179 or text keyword UWYO to 847411/TIP411. The Laramie Police Department may be reached at (307) 721-2526. Safe Ride may be reached at (307) 766-7433.

As adults and members of our community, your actions affect your future and those around you. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct (available here: http://bit.ly/1ihyHy3) . If you violate the law or Code of Conduct, you must understand that you will be held responsible and accountable.

The faculty and staff all join me in wishing you a safe and happy Halloween.

Richard C. McGinity

President

Bill Daniels Chair of Business Ethics

In addition, the Wyoming Highway Patrol announced a few safety tips for motorists and pedestrians:

Top safety tips for pedestrians: 

• Costumes can be both creative and safe.

The most important thing is to make sure you can be seen by drivers. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct your vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible. Carry glow sticks or flashlights so you can see better, as well as be seen by drivers.

• Cross the street safely at corners.

Use traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

• Put electronic devices down.

Keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

• Walk on sidewalks or paths.

If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

• Slow down and stay alert.

Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and don’t dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.

Top safety tips for drivers:

• Slow down!

Especially in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

• Be especially alert.

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Reduce any distractions in your vehicle.

Such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.