Lewis said his department's biggest problem is pedestrian car accidents. Lewis said the department worked a near fatal accident last year involving a child on a bicycle and a drunk driver. Luckily the child survived, but the department doesn't want to see a similar or worse accident.
Since Halloween is being observed on a Saturday, Lewis is expecting an exceptionally busy night if bad weather doesn't interfere with the trick-or-treating activities.
"We'll be out in full force on that night," Lewis said.
Lewis urges children to watch for traffic when crossing intersections. He said children, especially small children, should be accompanied by an adult or older child. He doesn't recommend trick-or-treaters ride bicycles unless the bike is equipped with lights and reflectors.
Lewis said he prefers children walk while trick-or-treating, and he recommends they wear light-colored clothing, carry a flashlight, and wear reflectors.
As far as candy, treats, and goodies that the children receive, parents should examine everything before a child eats it. Lewis said as far as he can remember, his department has never received any reports of tampered candy, but parents should "err on the side of caution."
