SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Springfield Police Department is urging drivers, parents and trick-or-treaters to be especially careful on Halloween, warning that thousands of children will be on city streets as darkness falls Oct. 31.

In a statement released Wednesday, Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers said parents should tell their children to "never run out into the street and never assume a driver sees you." He asked drivers to "put your phones down and pay attention" because there will be heavy foot traffic. Officers who are parked will keep their blue lights on so drivers are aware of them, he said.

Akers also asked trick-or-treaters to make themselves easy to see and not to carry realistic-looking toy guns, "as that can cause alarm."

Citing the National Safety Council, the department said children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween as on any other day of the year.

Police recommended that an adult go with young children. They also suggested that parents agree on a route and a return time with older children who go out alone, and check all candy before children eat it. The department suggested putting an AirTag or similar tracking device in a young child's candy bag in case the child gets lost.

Drivers were asked to watch for children on roads, medians and curbs, to take care pulling in and out of driveways and alleys, and to look out for children in dark clothing after dusk. Police also suggested that new drivers stay off the road on Halloween.

For costumes, the department recommended fire-resistant materials, reflective tape, flashlights or glow sticks, and nontoxic makeup tested on a small patch of skin first.

Police also suggested that parents check the state Sex Offender Registry Board's website to see whether registered sex offenders live in the neighborhoods where their children will be trick-or-treating.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno thanked the department and praised its trunk-or-treat events, including one held at the Elks Lodge with partner organizations.

This brief was drafted by AI from a public agency or political press release and published by The New England Signal. Why we use AI for stories like this one.