FORT KNOX, Ky. — Halloween just wrapped up, and with it safety concerns of children running the streets under low-light conditions in search of candy.
The end of October is considered by many to be the start of the winter holiday season, which offers a unique set of potential hazards, especially as holiday goers pack suitcases and travel to friends and loved ones.
Fort Knox Safety is starting safety messaging early, asking residents and employees to exercise extra caution.
“We want to get information out before winter comes so people have time to prepare,” said Brian Wood, Fort Knox Safety specialist. “It can be a significant emotional event when there’s snow and ice on the ground.”
The shrinking daylight hours, which peak Dec. 21, pose significant threats to visibility on the roads, said Wood. Those spending time outdoors during limited visibility include children at play or heading to school, and those exercising.
“If we’re outside during those hours of darkness, we want to make sure we’re seen,” said Wood. “We should be wearing a headlamp and reflective gear, whether it’s a PT belt or vest — something brightly colored.”
Alcohol consumption is another concern.
In an Oct. 26 article released by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s office, officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinets Office of Highway Safety warned motorists to avoid drinking and driving, especially during the holidays.
“It’s been a tough year for all Kentuckians, but we must remain vigilant and continue making responsible choices to keep each other safe,” said Beshear. “Halloween falls on a weekend so there's potential for indoor gatherings to peak. I want to encourage Kentuckians to celebrate safely by following health guidelines and making plans for a sober ride home if you plan to drink.
“A few preventive measures can mean the difference between life and death.”
The article points to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics that reveal more than 4,700 collisions in 2019 involved impaired driving on Kentucky roads, resulting in over 2,200 injuries and 138 deaths.
Another safety concern is slick snow and frigid, icy conditions.
Wood said a good place to start preparing for winter travel hazards is to focus on winterizing your vehicle — “from emergency kits to making sure you know where you’re going and are prepared for any emergency, whether it’s breaking down, or getting stuck in a snowstorm.”
The holiday season is particularly concerning, according to Wood, because travel on the roadways during the seasons greatly increases as weather conditions get dangerous.
Wood lists some things to keep in the vehicle through the winter months: heavy gloves, an extra pair of heavy socks, winter hat and undergarments; a first aid kit; an emergency signaling kit; food bars; and water.
The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center provides safety articles, posters, resources and videos on preparing for winter hazards at their website HERE.
Other safety concerns for this time of year include hunting accidents and winterizing the home. Wood said Central Kentucky region can be particularly dangerous because of quickly changing weather patterns.
“In Kentucky it can be a mild winter one month and then turn into an epic ice storm the next,” said Wood. “If you’ve done all those things ahead of time to meet the challenges of winter, you should be okay.”
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