Halloween is lots of fun, but it is also a very dangerous night for pedestrians.
On average, kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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To keep everyone safe, SSM Health APNP Angelita Rosario says that families should keep a few basic tips in mind. “The first rule that parents should teach kids is to focus on visibility,” Rosario said. “Just because they can see the car does not mean the driver can see them.”
Other important safety items include:
- Making sure costumes fit properly, so kids don’t fall and can also see.
- Providing supervision and hands-on help when carving pumpkins.
- Having an adult with children who are trick-or-treating.
- Using glow sticks or flashlights when out after dark.
- Walking on sidewalks and taking extra care on steps.
- Only eating candy that is fully wrapped or sealed.
- Taking extra time to examine ingredients if any food allergies are known.
- Making sure candy is appropriate for the child’s age, and not a choking hazard.
For more tips on Halloween safety, visit the Children's Safety Network.
