Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety.
Here are some tips from Safe Kids Worldwide to help stay safe. See more at: www.safekids.org
Walk Safely
- Children under 12 should trick-or-treat AND cross streets with an adult.
- Look for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never run into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Try to pick quiet traffic streets and stay off main roads.
- Before crossing the street, STOP, look left, right and left again and keep looking as you cross.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Put cell phones down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Drive Safely
- Slow down and be careful when driving near homes.
- Take extra time to look for kids on the side of the road. Children are excited on Halloween and may run across the street before looking for cars.
- Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
- Put your cell phones away and keep your eyes on the road.
- Drive slowly, expect a lot of children in the streets and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so children can see you.
- The busy trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be extra careful during those hours.
- When picking a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Design costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Choose face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can block a child’s view.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
Safe Kids Worldwide: Halloween Safety