We have had some beautiful weather around here so far this fall. After the hot summer, it seems lots of people are taking time to enjoy the outdoors while the weather is cooler (and before it gets too cold!) Many people have been out in the evenings walking, biking, scootering, and otherwise enjoying the fresh air. With trick or treating events happening to celebrate Halloween, I’m sure this will be even more the case this coming week!

If you are planning to be out in the evenings or at night, please remember that it is getting dark out quickly. If you don’t plan to be indoors by 6 p.m., it’s likely that you will be out in the dark. Please be helpful to the drivers and wear clothes that are light-colored or reflective. 

I happen to deliver pizza on the weekends. There have been many cases where I was driving and did not see a pedestrian until I was already passing them. And keep in mind, I am very aware of my surroundings as I’m driving. I just got a new car and I do NOT want to hit a deer and ruin it! But when pedestrians are walking around wearing black sweatshirts and jeans, it is so incredibly hard to see them when the sun goes down.

Even this past Monday, I passed a pedestrian wearing all black on 205th St. in Big Lake. If you don’t know, 205th is a 45 mph road with no shoulders and lots of blind turns. I didn’t see the pedestrian until I was maybe 50 feet away from him (or, possibly, her). Even though they had a small flashlight, it was so difficult to see them.

Please be careful as you enjoy the outdoors this Halloween. Make sure your trick-or-treaters have lights and are watching out for traffic. And have a wonderful (and safe) Halloween!