As Halloween approaches on October 31, 2024, Prince William Police Department encourages parents to prioritize their children’s safety while trick-or-treating by following essential tips, such as wearing light colors, using flashlights, and going in groups. Additionally, children should only visit familiar homes, wait until they’re home to eat treats, and parents should check all candy before consumption.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024) may be a fun holiday for kids but for parents trick-or-treat time can be a little tricky. Concerns about children’s safety – whether they are out in the neighborhood, gathering candy at a mall or shopping center, or back home with bags of treats – can darken the day more quickly than a black cat.

To make Halloween a treat for all, follow these safety tips:

• Make sure kids, and the adults accompanying them, wear light colors, carry a flashlight or put reflective tape on their costumes. October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and this helps drivers see everyone.
• Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups, so they are not a tempting target for real-life goblins. Parents or a trusted adult should accompany young children.
• Make sure kids know not to enter strange houses or strangers’ cars. Children should stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
• Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they are still out is to feed them a meal or a snack beforehand.
• Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place.

If you need to contact the police, call the non-emergency number: (703) 792-6500 (or, in an emergency, dial 911).

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William Police Department is urging both pedestrians and drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks, while pedestrians are encouraged to use marked crosswalks and follow safety tips to avoid accidents.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William County Police Department joins the Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in reminding pedestrians and drivers to respect each other to stay safe on the roads.

Drivers must stop – not just yield – for pedestrians in all crosswalks in Virginia in any marked or unmarked intersection where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. They could face a fine of between $100 and $500 if they fail to do so. Drivers can proceed once the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped.

Pedestrians must do their parts as well. While it might be convenient to cross a roadway wherever they happen to be, those on foot should use marked crosswalks for increased safety. Following are some tips to be safe if you are walking by yourself or with others:

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available. That’s where drivers are expecting to see you.
• Wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Before crossing look left, right, and left again.
• Watch out for blind spots around trucks and buses.
• Avoid using your cell phone while you are crossing the street.
• On an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution.