Sheriff Urges Halloween Safety on Local Roads

As trick-or-treaters across Stevens County prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Stevens County Sheriff ’s Office is reminding drivers and families to take safety precautions on rural roads, state highways, and neighborhood streets. With trick-or-treating taking place across our communities, local law enforcement notes that visibility drops quickly on unlit county roads, creating extra hazards for pedestrians. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, pedestrian accidents spike nationwide on Halloween night, with children facing significantly higher risks of being struck by a motor vehicle than on any other evening of the year.

Sheriff Brad Manke and the Stevens County Sheriff ’s Office advise parents to maximize child visibility with flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape, especially where sidewalks and streetlights are lacking. Costumes should fit properly to prevent tripping over uneven gravel or curbs, and non-toxic face paint should replace full masks that restrict vision. Children under 12 require adult supervision, while older youth should travel in groups along familiar routes with set curfews. Families should use designated crosswalks along major corridors like US-395 and SR-20, look both ways be- fore crossing, and avoid phone distractions. Parents should also inspect all candy at home and discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.

Drivers throughout Stevens County are urged to slow down in residential areas, turn on headlights early, and exer- cise extra caution around driveways. For non-emergency as- sistance on Halloween night, residents can contact Stevens County Dispatch at 509-684-2555, or dial 911 for emergencies.