October 28 — AUSTIN — As Halloween approaches, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to remind all Texans to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a Halloween event, or traveling on the road, it’s essential to stay alert and take precautions.

“We know that many Texans, young and old, will be celebrating Halloween this year,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a news release. “Please take some simple safety precautions — like staying visible, traveling in groups and staying alert — to keep everyone safe and Halloween a fun night for the entire state.”

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers:

– Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you drink alcohol.

— Be aware as a driver — don’t assume children are paying attention to your vehicle.

— Tie up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.

— Slow down, with the number of kids walking the streets on Halloween, slowing down is necessary.

— Be careful when going through neighborhoods and other trick-or-treat locations.

— Eliminate distractions while driving, including using mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you use a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.

— Drive defensively as Halloween may have additional challenges.

— Keep the Texas roadside assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas driver’s license.

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating:

— Make sure suits are bright and reflective or add reflective tape to darker suits as this helps drivers see tricks at night.

— Use face paint instead of masks that could block a child’s vision.

— Walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks.

— Carry glow sticks, flashlights or portable lights to increase general visibility.

— Use soft and flexible accessories such as pirate swords or wands that are not sharp.

— In case you break up, you have a pre-arranged meeting location.

— Travel under adult supervision and stay in familiar neighborhoods.

— Discuss the importance of visiting only well-lit houses and never entering a stranger’s house or candy machine.

— Make sure children know an adult’s phone number and how to call 911 if they get lost.

— After trick-or-treating, take all treats home for an adult to inspect before eating, and never eat items that don’t have a wrapper.

— Know the neighborhood, visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry, which includes a map of where registered sex offenders live in a given area.

DPS also wants to remind Texans about the iWatchTexas program, a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks. Tips can be reported through the website, the free iWatchTexas iOS or Android mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can watch this video.

Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

This week, DPS will release a series of Halloween safety tip videos on the department’s social media channels. Those videos are available here.