Watch for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween

With Halloween today, the Orange County Sheriff's Department is reminding parents to be prepared and keep a close watch on their children as they go through the neighborhood collecting candy and treats.

For parents and guardians, that means making sure children are visible to drivers. Adults should use a designated sober driver when leaving a local bar, restaurant or house party.

To keep trick-or-treaters and others safe, the department will step up patrols looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Remember these tips for drivers and parents out with children trick-or-treating:

• Carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.
• Have children wear costumes that are easy to walk in and see out of. Make sure costumes and masks fit well and don't block a child's view or cause them to trip and fall.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
• Only cross the street at crosswalks or corners where it is safe. Always look left, right, then left again before crossing.
• Always look up. Avoid using the phone while walking.
• Look out for trick-or-treaters who may cross the street mid-block or from behind parked cars.
• If you plan to drink, plan to use a designated sober driver.
• Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks and don't allow anyone who may be impaired leave.