Halloween is the ‘Deadliest Day’ of the year for Children Pedestrian Fatalities!
Here are some safety tips to keep you safe this Halloween.
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals, and crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
- Put electronic devices down and keep a heads up. Remember to walk, not run.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
- If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
- Common trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.
- Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.