This year, Halloween falls on the night the clocks are turned back, but kids will still be out while it is dark -- making it hard for drivers to see them. This lack of visibility makes it important for drivers to slow down and watch out for trick-or-treaters, especially around crosswalks.
Parents can do their part by emphasizing safe pedestrian behaviors before they go out trick-or-treating.
"The simple act of slowing down on neighborhood roads will not only make the tricks and treats of Halloween more enjoyable for everyone, but also it could save lives," said Theresa Cromling, Safe Kids Durham County coordinator. "Children younger than age 12 should not be alone crossing streets at night without an adult. If older kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, parents should make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."
Halloween is an exciting holiday for children, but they can be vulnerable to injury on this night. To ensure trick-or-treaters stay safe, Safe Kids recommends that children:
- Cross the street safely at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don't run, across the street.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Slow down and stay alert -- watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
- Costumes can be creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct a child's vision, so choose nontoxic face paint and makeup whenever possible instead. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
- Drivers should slow down in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Slowly and carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
While pedestrian safety is a main concern on Halloween, parents and kids should also be careful when dealing with candy. "While kids never want to wait to dive into their candy, it is best to check sweets for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them," adds Theresa Cromling. "Remind children to only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers."
For more tips on how to help kids become safer pedestrians on Halloween, as well as throughout the year, visit www.usa.safekids.org/wtw/halloween2009.html.
