Halloween is supposed to be full of spooky fun but there is nothing scarier than a real-life accident involving children. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep little trick-or-treaters safe all night long.
Safety starts early. Long before trick or treating begins, make sure and check your child’s costume. It should fit well to help avoid any accidental trips or falls. Opt for face paint, rather than a mask, to help children see what is out in front of them.
When it’s time to go out for the evening, it’s important that adults accompany any children under the age of 12. This is for several reasons. Before the age of 10 a child’s brain may have difficulty calculating the distance and speed of cars. An adult can help determine when it’s safe to cross the street. Adults are also better at determining directions and can help if a child wanders too far from home.
Many parents may be tempted to send younger children out to Trick or treat with older siblings but you should use caution. Teens and preteens can be impulsive and are more likely to become distracted.
Children are twice as likely to be hit by a car while walking on Halloween as any other day of the year. It’s important for kids to be as visible as possible. Encourage your kids to carry glow sticks or a flashlight or incorporate reflectors into their costume. Remind kids to always look both ways before crossing the street and to only cross at corners or crosswalks.
Even adults without kids need to be on alert on Halloween evening. Always drive slowly through neighborhoods and turn on your headlights before the sun goes down to help see further ahead. The most dangerous times to be on the road are between 4 and 10 p.m.
Remember that even if you can see a child, they may not be paying attention to your vehicle. Limit your own distractions so you can be on alert.
