AAA Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween

    HOUSTON--Oct. 27, 2001--With Halloween just around the corner, AAA Texas is warning motorists to slow down and watch out for children trick-or-treating.
    "Children wearing costumes and masks often can not see on-coming traffic. The excitement of running from house to house for treats may cause young ones to abandon normal traffic precautions," said Rose Rougeau, public affairs specialist for AAA Texas. "Another factor adding potential danger to an otherwise fun activity is diminished daylight. Unfortunately, daylight savings time ends for most of the nation, and we lose an hour of evening light," added Rougeau.
    AAA Texas recommends that parents consider the following safety tips, when helping their children prepare for Halloween:

--	Walk in a group. Don't run.
--	Travel with a parent, or a responsible older child.
--	Start early when it is still light, and finish before it gets dark.
--	Carry a flashlight.
--	Wear make-up instead of a vision-restricting mask.
--	Wear light colored or reflective costumes, or trim costumes with reflective tape.
--	Cross the street carefully at corners and never in the middle of the block, or between parked cars.

    AAA Texas is offering trick-or-treat bags and bookmarks (English & Spanish) in all 21 of its districts offices throughout the state, while supplies last.
    AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. AAA Texas offers its members a full-service travel agency, auto-related and financial services, as well as public safety programs and legislative advocacy.