Halloween costume ready? Here are trick-or-treat times for Lexington, central Kentucky
Urban legends about spiked candy and stranger danger abound every Halloween, but what’s most scary about the holiday is something you likely take for granted.
Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, especially for children.
In preparation for trick-or-treating Thursday, Oct. 31, here are some quick tips from auto club AAA and the Lexington Police Department for a safe and fun Halloween, along with times children can go door-to-door.
As a heads up, rain is in the forecast for Halloween night across Central Kentucky, so you may want to head out early and bring an umbrella. The weather has prompted some communities, including Danville, to move their trick-or-treating times to Saturday.
When are Lexington and Central Kentucky trick-or-treat times?
In Kentucky, trick-or-treating hours typically fall between 6 and 8 p.m. Halloween night.
While there doesn’t seem to be a state law that mandates a cut-off time, some local jurisdictions do have curfew laws and even age restrictions for trick-or-treaters. That includes Hazard, for example, which requires trick-or-treating to end by 9 p.m. and limits the activity to children younger than 16.
Central Kentucky’s trick-or-treating times for 2024 are:
Lexington/Fayette County - 6 to 8 p.m.
Georgetown/Scott County - 6 to 8 p.m.
Paris/Bourbon County - 6 to 8 p.m.
Winchester/Clark County - 5 to 8 p.m.
Richmond/Berea/Madison County - 6 to 8 p.m.
Nicholasville/Jessamine County - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Versailles/Woodford County - 6 to 8 p.m.
If you’re in Lexington and need a safe spot to take your children out, the Hartland Estates neighborhood often closes down streets to vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians a safer experience.
Tips for parents and children
Lexington Police Department spokesperson Hannah Sloan said parents should be thoughtful and talk with their children about the importance of practicing safe trick-or-treating habits.
“Parents and guardians should talk with their trick-or-treaters before heading out about looking both ways before they cross the street, crossing at a light or street corner, walking on a sidewalk when possible, not crossing the street mid-block and not running out into the road between parked cars,” Sloan wrote the Herald-Leader in an emailed statement.
Additionally, AAA recommends the following safety tips for families out trick-or-treating:
- Look left, right and left again when crossing the street
- Try to make eye contact with drivers
- Use your eyes and ears, stay alert
- Don’t walk in the road, stick to the sidewalk if there’s one available
- Never run out into the street. Supervise children and hold their hand when necessary.
Drivers also have a responsibility to stay vigilant while on the roads during trick-or-treating hours, Sloan told the Herald-Leader.
“Anyone driving around that time should expect heavier vehicle and pedestrian traffic and be prepared for trick-or-treaters. Please slow down and obey the posted speed limit signs. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. As always, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Sloan said.
AAA has these tips for drivers:
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians where they shouldn’t be. Anticipate that they might try to cross the street unsafely
- Follow posted speed limits and put away any distractions in order to maximize your reaction time
- Make yourself visible. Ensure your lights are on and dust off that turn signal
- Be extra watchful when backing out of driveways. Don’t rely on back-up cameras and look around.
- Always yield to pedestrians within crosswalks. If another driver is yielding, don’t go around to pass them.
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