LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Kids dressed up in costumes with buckets in hand will be on the prowl for lots of sweet treats this Halloween. State police say the number one safety concern for the holiday is pedestrian safety.
"In a lot of these communities, there are no crosswalks. They are just crossing in the middle of the road, nowhere near stop signs, so we have to be aware for both pedestrians and drivers," said Trooper Anthony Petroski, Pennsylvania State Police.
With Halloween on a Tuesday this year, state police are prepared for a whole weekend of trick-or-treating in communities across the region, so drivers need to be aware.
"Our eyes should be on the road at all times. More importantly, on days like Halloween, when we know kids are going to be out, they are going to be so hopped up on sugar. It's tough for them to remember to look before they cross the road." Trooper Petroski said.
It's not just drivers who should be aware of their surroundings. Trick-or-treaters have a responsibility as well. Petroski says it's a good idea to travel in groups and wear something that makes you stand out.
"Parents should have something that lights up or is reflective on their kids, even if you pin it on the back of their costumes, because there are going to be a lot of kids out."
State police will also have extra patrols in case people decide to play tricks.
"We do get a lot of calls on Halloween for kids running through people's yards and things like that. So, our patrol troopers are always out in communities, always driving around just to have our presence shown and make sure everyone is safe."