Triangle Drivers and Parents Get Safety Guidance Ahead of Busy Halloween Weekend

Halloween safety concerns collide with marathon logistics in the Triangle this weekend, requiring residents to manage pedestrian traffic and clock changes simultaneously. The town of Apex and UNC Health provide specific guidance for families heading out on Saturday, while the City of Raleigh prepares for the City of Oaks Marathon on Sunday.

The weather forecast supports outdoor activities with cool temperatures. Early evening highs will reach the upper 60s Fahrenheit before dropping to the low and mid 60s. Overnight temperatures will fall to the low 50s, prompting officials to advise anyone staying out late to bring warm clothing.

Most communities in the region recommend trick-or-treating between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with a hard stop at 9 p.m. Dr. Daniel Park of UNC Health warns that the risk of pedestrian crashes increases on this night. He advises parents to instruct children to look left, right, and left again before crossing streets and to never step into traffic without checking for oncoming vehicles.

Apex officials state that children should never trick-or-treat alone. Parents must accompany younger children, and teens should stick with groups. To improve visibility in the dark, experts recommend adding reflective tape or stickers to costumes and candy buckets. Loose capes and sleeves should be avoided to prevent tripping hazards or accidental fires near jack-o-lanterns.

Drivers are instructed to slow down in neighborhoods and at crosswalks. They must avoid using phones and keep their eyes on the road for pedestrians. Parents should inspect all treats to ensure they are safely wrapped before children eat them.

Several local events coincide with the holiday. Holly Springs hosts HollyFest to mark 150 years of community history, featuring local artists and live entertainment. Carrboro’s Farmer’s Market holds its final day with an annual vendor costume contest. Other gatherings include Trick-or-Treat the Trail, a Fall Festival at Rawls Baptist Church, and a Day of the Dead 5K that supports the Boys & Girls Club of Wake and Johnston Counties.

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Residents with manual clocks must set them back one hour. This timing shift affects the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh scheduled for Sunday morning.

Assistant city manager Evan Raleigh notes the weekend will be busy for Raleigh. The city has made plans to ensure safety for those accessing Glenwood Avenue before race day. He states that streets will be clear for those venturing to the area prior to the race.

A portion of Glenwood Avenue will shut down on Halloween night in preparation for the marathon. The city expects heavy activity across the region as families celebrate and residents adjust to the new time.