By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
With Halloween approaching, the Hays Police Department is reminding residents that with increased activity in the community comes the risk of accidents.
But Lt. Tim Greenwood said paying closer attention while driving during the last weekend of the month could help ensure a fun and safe holiday weekend.
In recent years, he said Hays has not seen many serious incidents, but that has not always been the case.
"We have had some in my career that unfortunately didn't turn out so well," Greenwood said. "But yeah, for the most part, we do have good drivers. (We) just have that reminder every now and then."
He said the most troubling activity currently endangering drivers and pedestrians is mobile phone use while traveling.
"The big one is to put the phone down whether you're a pedestrian or whether you're out with the kids enjoying the festivities that go along with the holiday, (you've) got to put that phone down," Greenwood said. "Don't be driving and looking at the photos or calling the next house you're driving to or whatnot."
While phone usage may be a major concern, distractions in general, he said, can be detrimental.
"We do a really good job for the most part with our pedestrian staying on the sidewalk and crossing at the corners," Greenwood said.
But he asked parents to make sure to refresh the basics with children before letting them venture out on their own.
"Make sure not only looking for those cars, but make eye contact with the drivers whenever possible on that corner, so that the driver sees you," Greenwood said. "It's really easy to get distracted."
He said parents should also make sure to focus when entering and exiting driveways as well.
"That's always a danger zone for us," Greenwood said.
Making sure children are highly visable is another way to help keep children safe, he said.
"Make sure that those costumes are brightly colored there's a lot of highly reflective costumes out there and if you're going with the traditional witch or Goblin or whatnot that's kind of dark and mysterious, make them put some of that reflective tape on their hands or ankles and a little bit around their neck so they are reflective and visible," Greenwood said.
He added glow sticks are also highly effective.
Lastly, Greenwood suggested keep faces unobstructed in order for the children to better see what is going on around them.
"If your kids are out walking, really consider not wearing masks, but going with the makeup," he said. "It's those masks often fall down and when they're all excited about the candy and their friends and whatnot, it's really easy to get distracted by a mask, whereas makeup doesn't obstruct your vision near as much and is not near as problematic when you're out trick or treating."
Overall, Greenwood said simple actions can ensure a safe holiday for all.
"We've got to do our part to help keep everybody safe," he said. "The police department's going to be out there they're going to be working. If you need something you can always holler at a police officer for some assistance. ... Do your part and help the community stay safe."