While many parents associate the words “Halloween” and “safety” with checking their children’s candy for allergens or tampering, there is another significant risk that should be addressed before trick or treating begins.
Each year, children across the country dress up for a night of door-to-door candy collecting. However, children are more at risk of being struck by a vehicle on Halloween due to factors like low visibility, not crossing at the appropriate crosswalks or lack of awareness of their surroundings.
Tips for Parents
For parents and trick or treaters, there are several ways to improve safety when going door-to-door on Halloween night. These preventive measures include:
- Use/wear glow sticks or carry a flashlight to increase visibility.
- Always cross at the crosswalk and avoid crossing in the middle of the road.
- Stop, look left and right prior to crossing the road.
- Add reflective tape to your costume (or wagon).
- Stay off cell phones when traveling door to door to remain vigilant of surroundings.
- Remain aware of your surroundings.
Tips for Drivers
While it is important for children and parents to be aware of the risks associated with walking at night, drivers have a responsibility to be vigilant as well. Drivers should remember:
- Drive slowly around neighborhoods and look out for pedestrians attempting to cross the street between cars.
- Reduce your speed.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Do not use devices that will distract you from the road.
Stay Safe this Halloween
As we approach Halloween night, now would be a good time to discuss candy safety with your older children. Instruct them to keep an eye out for any packaging that may have been tampered with or appears to be suspicious. For those with younger children, aside from sneaking a Snickers bar for yourself, be sure to inspect your child’s candy before allowing them to chow down.
Happy Halloween!