According to researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, pedestrian fatalities involving children are 4.5 times the level on Halloween than other nights. Restricted to children under the age of 15, the study shows more of an increase of fatalities in darkness rather than daylight.
Halloween is a time for children to expand their imaginations through costume choices and to explore a sense of independence while trick-or-treating. By taking safety precautions, parents can keep their child’s Halloween tradition while creating new memories. Below are a few tips to follow on Halloween:
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective or consider adding reflective tape
• Secure emergency identification discreetly within costume or on a bracelet
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries
• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly through out the community
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods and at homes that have a porch light on
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic
• Never cut across yards or use alleys
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations
• Always walk. Never run across a street
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will
