The Little Ghouls and Goblins Are Coming! Drive Smart, Grand Rapids

Ah, October 31st! There’s just something about it, isn’t there? The crisp air, the rustle of leaves, and, well, the sheer delightful chaos of costumed kids descending upon our streets. Grand Rapids, you know this scene. It's truly one of the year's highlights, seeing all those little ghosts, superheroes, and princesses, buckets in hand, ready for their sugary bounty.

But, and this is a big "but," with all that joyful energy comes a very real, very important call for caution. Because let's be honest, those tiny ghouls are often more focused on the next porch light than on oncoming traffic, and that’s just how it goes sometimes, isn’t it?

So, drivers, for once, I'm talking directly to you. This Halloween, your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you really, really should), is simple: slow down. Gosh, please slow down.

Think about it: twilight is setting in, shadows lengthen, and then suddenly, a pint-sized Darth Vader darts out from between parked cars, perhaps a little too eager for that king-sized candy bar. You just never know. Distracted driving? Forget about it tonight. Put the phone away. Seriously. Your texts and calls can wait. Your full attention, truly, is needed on the road, on the sidewalks, and especially, you could say, on those unpredictable little legs.

And to all the amazing parents and guardians out there, we’ve got a role to play too. Let’s outfit our little trick-or-treaters with more than just a cool costume. Think bright colors, reflective tape, maybe even a glowing necklace or two. Flashlights are your friend—not just for seeing, but for being seen. And, oh, teach those little ones the golden rule: look both ways, stick to the sidewalks, and cross at those well-lit intersections. A group is always safer than a solo journey, right?

This Halloween in Grand Rapids, let's make it memorable for all the right reasons. Let's embrace the magic, yes, but let's also embrace a shared sense of community responsibility. Because honestly, there’s nothing scarier than an accident on a night meant for fun. Drive smart, walk safe, and let the candy-collecting commence!