Published Friday, October 30, 2009

Be safety conscious this Halloween

Editorial

Thousands of youngsters will pour into the streets and sidewalks of downtown Newnan this morning for the traditional Halloween trick-or-treat activities sponsored each year by downtown merchants. This year's activities run from 10 a.m. until noon.

Then, on Saturday evening, youngsters will again pour into the streets and sidewalks throughout the county for neighborhood trick or treating.

This is a fun, festive time of year for youngsters -- and also for grownups. It's also a time of increased danger because so many people are on our streets. Saturday night's activities generally will start late in the evening and may go into the hours of darkness. That increases the potential danger.

If you are driving in the downtown Newnan area this morning, please be aware of the big crowd that will be jamming sidewalks and crossing streets during the 10 a.m. to noon activities.

If you are driving on Saturday evening, again, use caution. Excited youngsters will be seeking treats in neighborhoods.

Our public safety officials will be out this weekend to enforce traffic laws and to try to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Officers will particularly be on the alert for impaired drivers this Halloween weekend.

Certainly don't drink and drive. When you are driving this weekend, drive defensively and look out for those young and old ghosts and goblins as they enjoy Halloween.