Be seen on Halloween: Safety tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers

Halloween is filled with spooky surprises, but safety experts say one of the biggest risks has nothing to do with ghosts or goblins.

Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. The nonprofit is using the holiday to remind families and drivers that a few simple precautions can help keep trick-or-treaters safe.

“Our goal each year is really to educate the importance of ‘be seen on Halloween,’” Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide, said.

With more children expected to be out after dark, often distracted by costumes, candy and excitement, Creppy says visibility and attentiveness are key.

“We see three times more likely a pedestrian being hit on Halloween than any other day of the year,” she said. “Kids are out, they’re having fun, and I think we put our guard down.”

That’s why Safe Kids Worldwide is emphasizing a simple message: be visible and stay alert.

How trick-or-treaters can stay safe

One of the easiest ways to improve safety is to make costumes easier for drivers to see.

Safe Kids Worldwide recommends decorating costumes and treat bags with reflective tape or stickers and choosing lighter-colored costumes when possible. Children should also carry glow sticks or flashlights to help illuminate their path and increase visibility.

The organization also encourages families to use face paint instead of masks whenever possible, since masks can make it harder for children to see their surroundings.

When crossing the street, children should use crosswalks and traffic signals, look left, right and left again, and continue watching for traffic as they cross. 

“Most importantly, we want to take action against distraction that day,” Creppy said.

Children should make eye contact with drivers before crossing and avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars.

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Safety tips for parents

Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that children younger than 12 be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating.

For older children who are mature enough to go out without supervision, parents should encourage them to stay in familiar, well-lit areas and travel in groups.

Parents should also make sure costumes fit properly to help prevent trips and falls.

What drivers should remember

Safety experts say drivers play an equally important role in preventing injuries on Halloween.

Creppy urges motorists to slow down in residential neighborhoods and expect more children to be walking near roads, driveways and intersections.

“We want the driver to slow down in the neighborhood, slow down while driving, because we have a lot of children out this night,” she said.

Drivers should also eliminate distractions inside their vehicles, keep their eyes on the road and be especially alert during peak trick-or-treating hours, generally between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Creppy said families don’t have to choose between fun and safety on Halloween. By slowing down, staying alert and taking simple steps to increase visibility, everyone can help make the holiday safer.