Article written by DPS Communication Assistant Ruth Brisson, Newhouse ’29
Spooky season calls for a few extra safety reminders
With Halloween tomorrow, there’s lots of safety to cover! Let’s go over the basics on Football game, Halloween, and Daylight saving safety!
Football Game Safety
As usual, this year’s Halloween falls on a home football game day. While the game promises to be a fun addition to the holiday weekend, there are a few safety reminders worth keeping in mind as you plan your day.
Parking: Odd/Even parking will be in effect for the game. At 6:00 PM on the 31st, drivers should switch their cars over to the odd side of the street. The good news is that since the 31st is an odd-numbered day, cars can remain in the same spot into the 1st, as it will still fall on an odd day!
Crowd Safety: For those attending the game in a group, it’s important to stick together, especially in large crowds. Before heading into the JMA Wireless Dome, agree on a designated meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. Having a plan in place ahead of time makes it much easier to reconnect quickly if the group gets split up.
Bag Policy: The Dome enforces a strict clear bag policy, or alternatively, a small bag policy limited to bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. There is a one-bag limit per person, so attendees should plan accordingly before arriving, as bags that don’t meet these requirements may not be permitted inside.
Leaving the Game: Once the game concludes, attendees are encouraged to be patient with traffic. Shuttle buses will be running to transport guests to the parking lots efficiently, helping to keep the departure process as smooth as possible despite the large crowds.
Halloween Safety
What to Know Before You Go Out: Halloween brings an increase in foot traffic, crowds, and unfortunately, drivers that may be under the influence, making it especially important for both drivers and pedestrians to stay alert this time of year.
For Drivers: With more pedestrians out and about, particularly at night, drivers should expect increased and often unpredictable foot traffic. Costumes, group gatherings, and the excitement of the holiday can make it harder for pedestrians to stay fully aware of their surroundings, so drivers should slow down, remain alert, and give extra space and attention to areas that are normally quieter.
For Pedestrians: If you’re planning to go out for Halloween, it’s best to stay with a group. Between the darkness and the larger crowds typical of the holiday, having people around you adds an important layer of safety. Costumes can also reduce your visibility to drivers, so before crossing any street, consider using a flashlight or your phone’s light to make sure drivers can see you clearly. Use crosswalks when possible and always wait for walk signs before crossing.
Getting Home Safely: No matter how you plan to celebrate, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Whether that’s using the safety escort shuttle, calling a rideshare, or walking back with your group, having a plan in place ahead of time helps ensure the night ends safely.
Daylight Savings
As if it wasn’t an already busy weekend, as November approaches, daylight saving time is coming to an end. This year, clocks will fall back at 2:00 AM on November 1st, reverting to 1:00 AM at that moment. For most people, this simply means setting clocks back an hour before bed, resulting in a welcome extra hour of sleep.
Devices: While smartphones and computers typically update automatically, it’s worth checking other devices like car clocks and microwaves to make sure they reflect the correct time.
Darker Evenings: The time change also means evenings will get darker earlier. Pedestrians should consider wearing brighter or reflective clothing when walking in the evening, and drivers should stay alert for pedestrians who may be harder to see in reduced daylight.
DPS hopes you all have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Have fun dressing up, watch some scary movies, and as always stay safe.