Missouri State Highway Patrol Urges Safety for Halloween Revelers

As Halloween approaches, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents across the state to prioritize safety while celebrating. Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Patrol, urges both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant as neighborhoods fill with young ghosts, vampires, clowns, and superheroes seeking treats on October 31.

On Halloween night, the excitement of trick-or-treating can lead children to unexpectedly enter the street, making it crucial for motorists to slow down and watch for pedestrians. The Patrol expects an uptick in slow-moving vehicles in residential areas as families transport trick-or-treaters. Courtesy and attentiveness are key, especially with children of all ages crossing roads. Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions—particularly their phones—and keep their focus on the road.

Parents play a vital role in ensuring a safe Halloween experience. The Patrol recommends reminding children to visit only well-lit, familiar homes and to avoid entering strangers’ houses or vehicles. Looking both ways before crossing streets is essential, and accompanying children while trick-or-treating can enhance safety and provide a memorable family experience.

Safety should also be a consideration when choosing costumes. The Patrol suggests using make-up instead of masks, which can limit a child’s ability to see traffic. Costumes that are light in color or have reflective tape are easier for drivers to spot after dark, and flame-resistant materials are encouraged. Small children should always be supervised by adults, while older children are advised to stick together in groups.

Halloween festivities aren’t limited to children. Adults also celebrate by attending haunted houses and parties. If driving to a costume event, make sure your attire does not obstruct your vision. For gatherings where alcohol is served, designate a sober driver before heading home. The Patrol warns that even minimal alcohol consumption can impair reaction time and judgment, posing serious risks behind the wheel.

With increased activity on streets and sidewalks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to enjoy Halloween safely and responsibly, helping make the holiday fun and memorable for all.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Visit the KHS Haunted Wonderland If You Dare

The Kearney High School Theatre program is hosting a Halloween-themed "Haunted Wonderland" from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the school. There will also be traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating through the high school hallways from 5 to 7 p.m. that same evening.

Both events are open to the public and appropriate for children of all ages. Entry for the haunted house will be $4 for the first entry and $1 for every re-entry. Both cash and cards will be accepted for payment at the door. The trick-or-treating is free for students.

The "Haunted Wonderland" was organized by the cast of the upcoming KHS fall production of the musical "Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as a way to both create a fun community event for Halloween and help raise money for the Theatre program.

About three dozen KHS students will be involved in planning, preparing and performing in the haunted house. Program Director Haley Kernes also observed that this was a Real World Learning experience for her students.

"This is a great way to support the fall musical," Ms. Kernes said. "It's also an opportunity for the kids to learn new skills while providing a fun, seasonal activity for families in our community."

The haunted house will wind its way from the main KHS entrance, around the recently renovated auditorium and through the performing arts wing of the school. Kernes emphasized that the event will be family-friendly, with absolutely no contact from the performers.

"Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" will be performed on Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 8 at the high school. Information and tickets are available through the Theatre Department's online box office.

The KHS FFA will be handing out candy in the KHS hallways during the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Club Advisor Erica Hart organized this as both a fun and free community event.

"We want this to be something that all of our families can enjoy as a community service," Mrs. Hart said. "We're also excited to spark some interest in our future KHS Bulldogs!"

KPGZ News – Ray Wiekal contributed to this story.

Be Safe This Halloween

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots the weekend prior, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert.

Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone!

Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child's vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged.

All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you've had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

Press Release by Missouri State Highway Patrol