BOO AT THE ZOO
Guests share fun, safety tips at Elmwood Park Zoo
NORRISTOWN >> Guests had a blast Saturday celebrating Halloween early with some of their favorite animals.
Hundreds of guests came to the Elmwood Park Zoo Saturday in costume to get in the Halloween spirit and learn all about the animals that live at the zoo.
Activities included a variety of fun, Halloween themed games as well as numerous trick-or-treat stations.
Before the event took off local officials, including representatives from PennDOT, Elmwood Park Zoo, Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence Jr. and West
Norriton Police Department, spoke about the importance of safety this Halloween for both motorists and pedestrians.
“We have to take extra caution, even before you go out. Know what you’re going to do. Know that we have an enhanced situation here with children around. Do not drink and drive. Do not text and drive,” reminded Sgt. Steven Morris with West Norriton Police. “As far as the children, we have to protect the kids. A great way to do it is to illuminate yourself. At West Norriton Police Department, if you come to the lobby, we have hundreds of glow sticks to give out to anybody that wants to have them.”
Commissioner Lawrence
added that parents should be reminded that many new drivers are on the road as well and to remind kids who may have just started driving or are riding with a new driver to be aware of their surroundings.
“I come at this perspective as a parent. I have teenage boys. One is a new driver and the other is not driving yet but he’s riding with new drivers. I remember those days when I was young and you think you’re invincible and you’re not paying attention. Halloween is truly a night where you need to be paying attention to your surroundings,” said Lawrence.
In 2018, there were 69 total pedestrian crashes from October 27 to November 4 in Pennsylvania, up from 49 in 2017.
Motorists are reminded to be extra cautious and practice safe driving behaviors to keep pedestrians safe by following these safety tips:
• Eyes should be on the road always. Avoid distractions, such as cell phone use, eating and adjusting the radio;
• Slow Down. If motorists are practicing safe speeds they are more aware of their surroundings;
• Do not drive impaired. Plan ahead before attending Halloween parties, and designate a sober driver or use public transportation to get home safely; and
• If you are out driving on Halloween night, you should be extra cautious, especially in residential neighborhoods. There will be lots of children out, who are not necessarily paying attention to you or your car.
If you are walking on Halloween, remember PennDOT’s following safety tips:
• Trick-or-treat in a group instead of by yourself; • Carry a flashlight; • Place reflective tape on your costume, or wear a glow stick, so drivers can see you;
• Walk on the sidewalk if one is available, or walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic;
• Never walk in between parked cars, and only visit homes with lights on;
• Always cross the street at a corner and look both ways before crossing; and
• Lift your mask while walking house to house.