According to Safe Kids Worldwide, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year.
"On Halloween, more children are on the street after dark than normal, and they’re so excited that they may run out into the street without looking,” says Jill Lucas Drakeford, Carilion Children's Safe Kids coordinator. “It’s important to make kids visible to drivers without taking away the fun.”
Visibility is key
To keep kids safe and easy for drivers to spot, Jill recommends these tips:
- Trick-or-treat before dark if possible
- Use non-toxic face paint instead of masks to avoid blocking vision
- Choose light-colored costumes
- Give your kids glow sticks or flashlights to carry
- Use reflective trick-or-treat bags or add reflective tape to their bags
- Attach reflective tape or hangtags to costumes
- Have kids wear reflective wristbands
She emphasizes that visibility is crucial because even a slow-moving car can cause a serious accident.
Strength in numbers
Jill also encourages teaming up with other families to trick-or-treat in large groups. "Traveling in larger packs makes kids easier to see," she explains. “Plus, having more adults in the group means extra eyes to ensure kids are looking both ways before crossing the street.”
Stay alert
Make sure you and your children are following pedestrian laws, crossing only at street corners and watching for vehicles. But being safe isn't just a responsibility for those out walking. Drivers need to take extra care, too, and slow down while they navigate the roads in their neighborhoods.
"And, of course, it’s very important that both drivers and walkers put down mobile devices to avoid distraction,” adds Jill.
Check out Safe Kids Worldwide to find even more tips for a fun (and safe!) Halloween.
