Trick or Treating is a fun event for the entire family, but there are some risks.
Here are some frightening statistics from SafeKids.org when it comes to safety on Halloween:
- On average, TWICE as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year
- Only 18% of parents use reflective tape on their children’s Halloween costumes
- 12% of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone.
Be sure to remember these tips for a safe trick-or-treating experience:
H – Have a flashlight with you while you are trick or treating to make sure you aren’t on a dangerous path.
A – Always inspect candy before letting your children eat it.
L – Look both ways before crossing the street.
L – Leave your car parked in a well-lit area.
O – Only walk on sidewalks. Never walk on the street.
W – Wear costumes that are easily visible at night to avoid any accidents.
E – Emergency contact information is a great thing to put somewhere on your child’s costume or candy bag in case your child gets lost.
E – Even if kids are in a group, adults need to supervise.
N – Never let a child enter a house by themselves.
Safety should always be a top priority. Kids running around makes for a dangerous situation for drivers and pedestrians alike. If you are driving on Halloween, please add extra time to your commute so you can drive slowly to prevent any accidents.