Franklin Police to Close Historic Downtown Neighborhood Streets on Halloween

Residents in downtown Franklin’s Hincheyville neighborhood are expecting another big turnout this Halloween.

Franklin Police Officers will close West Main Street and Fair Street to vehicle traffic between 7th & 11th Avenues, and 9th Avenue between Natchez St. & 96W from 5pm-9pm for trick-or-treaters Wednesday, October 31.

Franklin Police Officers and Firefighters will be handing out candy and glow necklaces to children within the closure.

Trick-or-treat days and times in Franklin are set by individual neighborhoods and homeowner associations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are markedly more likely to be in a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween than any other night of the year. There are several reasons why children are more likely to be hurt in pedestrian accidents, including:

• They often choose to take the shortest route, which may mean darting out between parked cars rather than take the safer route of crossing at corners.
• They are not good at evaluating potential traffic threats.
• They are more likely to ignore their peripheral vision, and are generally less attentive of their surroundings.
• They have a tendency to take more risks.
• They cannot cross the street as rapidly as adults.
• They may be distracted by other children’s costumes and actions, and home decorations.

Police encourage parents to trick-or-treat with their kids, and be sure to tell them that some people driving cars may not slow down for them.

Motorists are urged to slow down and use extra caution Wednesday night, as Franklin streets will be filled with excited children.