Press Release
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.
Did you know that on average, twice as many kids are hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year? Kids will be out while it is dark, making it harder for drivers to see them and because they’re excited about getting candy, they may not be watching out for cars. Parents and drivers both need to do their part to help kids stay out harm’s way on Halloween.
While pedestrian safety is the main concern on Halloween, remind children to only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers after an adult has looked at it for signs of tampering.
Trick-or-treating
- Always trick-or-treat with an adult until at least age 12.
- Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit. Visit homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.
- Children should never enter homes or apartments unless accompanied by their parent or an adult.
- Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing; always walk, don’t run, when crossing streets.
- Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
Costumes
- Wear face paint and makeup; a mask can restrict a child’s vision
- Wear light-colored, flame-retardant costumes decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape.
- Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls.
- To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
- Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.
Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers. Not only will these help drivers see you better, but they are a lot of fun too!
For Drivers
- Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road.
- Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.
- Take extra time to actively look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and pedestrians.