Halloween Safety Tips

1. ******************************************Safety Alert*****************************************
CONTACTS: Kristen Blucas, Marketing David Pendleton & Associates
1-800-458-0811 ext. 2285, 814/870-2285 423-239-7283
kristen.blucas@erieinsurance.com dp@dpagency.com
Make Your Halloween a Treat with Safety Tricks from Erie Insurance
Kingsport, Tenn. (Oct. 18, 2010)–While many parents routinely inspect the pounds of tempting
loot brought home each Halloween, it’s important to keep in mind that candy tampering isn't the
biggest concern kids’ face on this increasingly popular holiday, its motor vehicles.
“We urge motorists to be especially alert on Halloween,” says David Pendleton of David
Pendleton & Associates insurance agency. “Excited children often forget the rules and may dart
out in front of a car unexpectedly or forget to cross the street at crosswalks. Their dark clothing
can also make them more difficult to see.”
Driving on Halloween night can be very distracting so remember to stay alert and keep your eyes
on the road. Back out of driveways very slowly and move out of any side streets and alley ways
carefully. Use extra caution when traveling in busy neighborhoods and travel at a safe speed.
If your children will be going ‘trick-or-treating’ this year, make sure that an adult or older
responsible youth will be supervising the outing. Adults and children should carry flashlights
and use reflective strips so that you are more visible to motorists. Always walk on the sidewalk
and stay in well lit neighborhoods. Never allow children to walk in the street or in alley ways.
Talk to children beforehand about safety, reminding them to cross the street at crosswalks and
corners and to never cross between parked cars. Avoid cutting across yards or driveways and
only approach well lit houses.
It’s also important to get your home and yard prepared before the ‘trick-or-treaters’ make their
way to your house. Start by removing items from the steps and walkways that could be tripped
over such as toys, hoses, flower pots, or bicycles. Sweep wet leaves from the sidewalk, porch
and steps to prevent slips and falls. If your town has ‘trick-or-treating’ hours at night, be sure to
brighten the way by turning on all outside lights. If you don’t regularly use your porch and
outdoor lights, check them the week before to make sure they are working properly. Keep your
pets inside and properly restrain them to ensure their safety and the safety of trick-or-treaters
when you open your front door.
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 16th largest
automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 18th largest property/casualty
insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best
Company, has over four million policies in force and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. To learn
more, visit www.erieinsurance.com.
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