It's a time for both adults and children to dress up, get outside, make memories and have some fun! It can, however, be a dangerous night if safety isn't top-of-mind.
Increase in Pedestrians Being Hit By Cars on Halloween
Halloween night has all the factors for an increased chance of an accident. There are children running around after sundown, and some are wearing costumes that blend in with the dark.
In 2021, there were several terrible instances where children and adults were hit by cars while trick-or-treating, some fatal. NBC reported that a 52-year-old driver jumped a curb and struck a group of six trick-or-treaters, killing three of them. Cities like Salt Lake City and Minneapolis also reported deadly crashes on Halloween night.
We're all taught to watch out for fake, opened, or homemade treats and even predators, but those aren't the only possible threats. Today, we're discussing some basic street safety tips that can make this Halloween safe for everyone.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
- Choose brightly colored costumes and add reflectors for extra visibility.
- To avoid trips and falls, make sure your child's costume fits correctly and the mask doesn't obstruct their view.
- Trick-or-treat with your kids if they are 12-years-old or under.
- In addition to spending some quality time together, you'll be able to guide your kids along the way.
- You might just collect a few pieces of your own candy as well!
- Cross streets only at corners and walk from house to house.
- One of the major causes of accidents is when kids dart out into the street anxious to get to the house across the road.
- The candy can wait.
- Walk to the corners and cross the street there.
- Talk with your kids about the possible dangers.
- Don't assume they know how to be careful.
- Sit down with your kids and let them know that it's important to wear bright costumes, reflective gear, and to cross the street at corners.
- Drive slowly through neighborhoods on Halloween night, especially during the hours of 5:30-9:30pm.
- It goes without saying, but leave the alcohol at home.
- Alcohol increases the risk of an accident and impairs judgement.
- Don't drink and drive between candy stops OR drink while walking with your kids.
Safe Kids Worldwide says, "On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year." That's scary. Make sure you and your children aren't part of those statistics.