Trick-or-Treating Tips: Keeping Your Children Safe This Halloween

Did you know that 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? 

What can you do to keep your children safe? Read these important tips and review some safety guidelines with your little trick-or-treaters, before they head out for Halloween. 

Set the Ground Rules 

• Cross the street at corners

         Always cross the street at intersections, preferably where traffic signals and crosswalks are available. If you are in a neighborhood cross at an          intersection with stop signs. 

• Look left, right, and left again

       When crossing the street, look left, right, left and keep looking the entire time you are crossing.

• Put your devices down

       When crossing the street, put your electronic devices down, keep your head up and walk, don’t run across the street.

• Eye contact is key

       Before crossing in front of drivers, be sure to make eye contact with them to ensure that you are seen.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths

       If there are no sidewalks, walk close to the curb and face traffic.

• Walk the most direct route

       Children should walk on a direct path that avoids street crossings as much as possible.

• Be alert

       The entire time that you are trick or treating, watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

*Join your kids if they are under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Be Strategic with the Costume

• Get bright

       Decorate your children’s costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colored clothing and accessories. This is because         darker clothing is less visible at night.

• Avoid masks

       Masks can obstruct vision. Try using face paint and/or makeup to create the same look as the mask.

• Light it up

       Provide glow sticks and flashlights for your kids to carry to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• Choose the right fit

       Make sure your child’s costume fits well in order to prevent trips and falls.

Tips for Drivers During Halloween

• Slow down and be alert

       Be alert at all times - especially in residential neighborhoods. The excitment of trick-or-treating may cause kids to move in unpredictable ways. 

• Watch out for children

       Constantly be on the lookout for children, especially when at intersections, on medians, and along curbs.

• Extra caution

       Use extra caution when entering and exiting driveways and alleys. 

• Ditch the distractions

       Put away any possible distractions in your car so that you can focus on the road and your surroundings. (i.e. your cellphone & other devices)

• Headlights on

       Turn on your headlights earlier than usual so that you are able to spot children from further away.

*Be extra alert and attentive during 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., as these are popular trick-or-treating hours. 

Information from safekids.org.