Halloween is right around the corner! While Halloween brings a lot of excitement, it is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the night of Halloween has a 43% greater possibility of pedestrian deaths. Children are 3 times more likely to be killed by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. With this in mind, it is best to take further precautions to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe while also having fun. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when trick-or-treating and driving: 

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING 

Use Flashlights and Reflective Gear 

     You want your family to be as visible as possible when out in the dark. Carrying a flashlight can help warn drivers that you are crossing the road. It is also useful for lighting up your path when walking to avoid tripping and falling. Glow sticks can be a fun alternative for kids. If your child’s costume is dark, add reflective tape. The more light you can show others, the safer you and your family will be! 

Monitor Your Children 

     When trick-or-treating, you should accompany children under the age of 12 and go in groups if possible. Young children may get too excited and forget basic caution. Encourage them to walk, not run from one house to the next, look both ways when crossing the road, and be aware of their surroundings. Remind them not to walk in between cars and not go into strangers’ homes or cars. 

Encourage Safe Costumes 

     If your kid’s costume has a mask, tell them to remove it when walking so they can see where they are going. They will be able to see incoming cars better without a mask obstructing their view. Make sure their costume is the correct length and if necessary, trim the bottom of their costume so they don’t trip.