Halloween is next week, and with Beggar’s Nights coming up in communities around Dallas County, local law enforcement emphasizes being careful while driving.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn points out, the nights are getting darker earlier, and kids excited to get candy are known to dart out suddenly into the street. “You know, it’s one of those times of the year that we have the kids are going to be running around going door to door trick-or-treating. So we need to make sure as motorists that we keep an extra eye out for those kids on that day. You know, slow down a little bit if you have to be out and about. If you don’t have to be out and about, you know stay home. If you’re going to a Halloween party where there’s going to be some drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.”

As for the trick-or-treaters, Vaughn says it’s a good idea to have a parent accompany them to watch for traffic. He also recommends having something reflective on costumes, or giving kids a glow item or flashlight to carry with them so they can be easily seen. To learn more about Halloween safety, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.