ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- As Halloween approaches, families are getting ready for a spooky night of fun, but local law enforcement in Chemung County is prioritizing safety.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul warns that Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians under 18. In Chemung County, officers are making plans to protect kids as they out trick-or-treating.

"With Halloween being a big day, it's supposed to be nice weather we're going to have extra patrols out there and I think you're going to see that throughout the county with most law enforcement agencies, just to be safe," says Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom. "Then we just want to remind the kids that are trick-or-treating, you know to have a flashlight or some type of reflective items on them, glow stick or something, just so they stick out once it starts getting dark."

No matter your age, it is encouraged to dress up without a customer who obstructs your hearing or vision. For children especially, excitement can sometimes overpower caution. Schrom encourages trick-or-treaters to look both ways before crossing a busy street, and avoid darting in traffic, which can catch drivers off guard.

According to AAA, last Halloween, over 32,000 citations were issued statewide, with 1,182 arrests for impaired driving and nearly 6,500 speeding tickets.

Schrom emphasizes that this year, drivers can expect strict enforcement to keep Halloween safe for everyone. 

"We try to remind people to travel in groups. Don't go by yourself. Hopefully, we have adults and responsible people who are escorting the kids around. Don't go into strangers homes. Examine your candy before you eat anything. Make sure nothing appears to be tampered with and opened up and that kind of stuff," says Schrom.

"Authorities are especially asking drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for kids crossing streets in residential areas. While Chemung County won't have driver checkpoints, there will be extra patrols monitoring the most active neighborhoods. "there might not necessarily be checkpoints, but there's definitely going to be extra roving patrols out there, especially in the neighborhoods where there's a lot of activity, and that's just to have the appearance, just to kind of, or the presence, rather just to remind people that we're around, remind them to be extra cautious. There might not necessarily be checkpoints, but there's definitely going to be extra roving patrols out there, especially in the neighborhoods where there's a lot of activity, and that's just to have the appearance, just to kind of, or the presence, rather just to remind people that we're around, remind them to be extra cautious," shared Schrom.

Tips for Trick-or-Treaters and Drivers:

  • Kids need to be visible: encourage children to wear reflective items or carry flashlights or glow sticks to make sure they’re seen by drivers. 
  • Stick to well-lit, familiar routes: if kids are trick-or-treating, staying in well-lit areas with sidewalks and avoiding crossing between parked cars can help prevent accidents. 
  • Drivers, slow down and stay alert: especially in residential areas. With kids possibly darting out unexpectedly, a little extra caution can go a long way. 
  • Put the phone down: both drivers and pedestrians should avoid distractions, like looking at their phones, while on the road. 
  • The “Have a Plan” app: this tool provides a safe way to get a ride home, and it’s available for Apple and Android users. Perfect for those needing a way home after festivities. 
  • Safety tips for all: whether you’re walking, driving, or hosting a Halloween party, let’s all do our part to keep the night safe and fun for everyone. 

Parents with younger kids should skim through their candy to make sure there aren't any rips, tears, or tampering with that collection. 

"Make sure they're not eating it while they're out and about, because it's dark out you can't really see what you have. Wait until you get home, empty your candy out into a table and just kind of go through it. Make sure nothing appears to have been tampered with. If something doesn't seem right, just throw it out. Just being aware of what they have and making sure that everything looks safe to take," suggests Schrom.

For families, these precautions aim to ensure Halloween remains a fun and safe night to remember.

Tips for Homeowners:

  • Make your home feel welcoming but turning on exterior lights
  • Any hazards leading up to the home like in the yard, should be removed.
  • Report any suspicious criminal activity to your local police department 
  • Keep children dressed up and away from pets because the animal may not recognize the child and become frightened.
  Chemung Co Sheriff's Office