The spookiest night of the year is almost here! While CACTC may be a bit too old for trick-or-treating, it’s important to remember that Halloween safety is no ghost story. The scariest monster out on October 31st is actually cars! Children on Halloween are more than twice as likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident on this night, more than any other. We have some safety tips that are as fun as they are practical for those who are out for festivities, as well as for those who are driving. Grab your witches hats, put on your superhero capes, and join us as we give out tips to have a fun Halloween night for your kids that doesn’t pull any tricks when it comes to safety.
Dressing the Part
Costumes are a staple to Halloween, and while we want to look our frightful best, safety and fun should go hand in hand. Dress for a bewitchingly safe evening with these simple tips:
- Opt for non-toxic Halloween makeup rather than masks, as masks can limit vision making it difficult to see where you are going; be sure to test a small area of skin for any signs of irritation before applying.
- If trick-or-treating when it’s dark it might be best to choose a bright, reflective costume or even add reflective tape so they’re more visible. Or be the brightest on the block by wearing glow sticks!
- When you pick out a costume, make sure it is the correct size to prevent falls. Any props carried should be short and flexible.
The Night Out
The most hair-raising statistic of Halloween? It’s not cavities, but the chilling fact that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. The biggest factor in these incidents is the lack of visibility from low lighting. Here’s some tips for you and your children’s candy prowl:
- Plan out the route ahead of time to choose the most well lit, and have a clear time on when they’ll be home. It’s always best to have a responsible adult tag along!
- Walk on the sidewalk on the lit streets, not in alleys or across lawns where visibility is worse.
- Walk, don’t run, from house-to-house and only visit houses with their porch light on.
- When crossing the street use a crosswalk, put electronic devices down, and never assume that a vehicle will stop.
- Instruct your children to never enter a stranger’s car or home.
- If your older kids are trick-or-treating alone then they should go in a group that stays together, and have their cell phones on them.
For Drivers
In wrapping up these spooky suggestions for a safe Halloween, let’s not forget the important role of responsible driving. For those behind the wheel this Halloween, consider these helpful reminders:
- There will most likely be pedestrians on the road and some may appear unexpectedly. Driving slower can help save lives.
- Do not look at or use your phone while driving. Your attention needs to be on the road, and be alert for pedestrians.
- Some pedestrians may suddenly come out from between parked cars, or even from behind shrubbery. Stop, and wait for them to pass.
Sources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses Accessed September 14, 2023.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Halloween Safety Tips. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/halloween-safety-tips
Accessed September 14, 2023.
KidsHealth. (2022). Halloween Safety Tips. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/halloween.html
Accessed September 14, 2023.
National Safety Council. (2023). Halloween Safety. National Safety Council. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/autumn-safety/halloween
Accessed September 14, 2023.
