Halloween is a holiday both kids and adults look forward to all year-from
picking out costumes, parties, haunted houses for those who like a scare,
and obviously, the candy. Of course everyone prefers to focus on the fun
aspects of Halloween, but we must remind parents, children, and motorists
alike of safety concerns for tomorrow night.
The
National Safety Council reported that on Halloween in 2015, there were an estimated 6,700 pedestrian
deaths and another 160,000
pedestrian injuries that required medical attention as a result of motor vehicle incidents.
To reiterate the importance of pedestrian safety, studies revealed that
about 17% of the 6,700 deaths occurred when pedestrians improperly crossed
roads or intersections, and lack of pedestrian visibility because of low
lighting or dark costumes accounted for another 15% of those deaths. Children
between the ages of five (5) to fifteen (15) “darting” into
roadways accounted for 22% of the fatal incidents.
Children are more than twice as likely to be fatally struck by a car on
Halloween than any other day of the year.
To help keep everyone safe tomorrow night, here are some safety tips:
Trick or Treating
- A responsible adult should accompany kids, and make sure to be in close
proximity, especially near intersections. Older children should trick-or-treat
in a group and have a safe route planned in advance. - Remind children of dangers of darting into roadways, to use sidewalks,
and cross at crosswalks. - Remind children not to enter homes or cars of strangers.
- Follow your local community guidelines for trick or treating hours.
- ell your children not to eat any treats until they are home (though we
realize this is an especially difficult request for children to follow). - Inspect candy at home, and only eat unopened candies in original wrappers.
Costumes
- Make sure to carry a light or put reflective tape on costumes, and if out
after dark, travel on well-lit streets. - Consider face painting instead of masks, which can obstruct vision.
- Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
- All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- Props including swords, knifes, etc. should be soft in case of falls.
Driving
- Reduce speed, and watch for Trick or Treaters-they may not be watching
out for you. - Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Turn on headlights, even prior to sunset.
- Have a planned designated driver in advance if attending a party, and if
you’re hosting a party, do not let an impaired guest drive home.
We hope everyone has a fun, sugar-filled, and most importantly, safe Halloween.
