Halloween is almost here!  It’s one of my favorite days of the year, not because I like ghosts and goblins, but because there is candy involved!  Halloween is a great time for kids to be outdoors to enjoy treats, fun and games.

Since most trick-or-treating occurs in the evening when the sun has gone down, there are some safety issues to consider as your family is out having fun.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly two-thirds (2/3) of all fatal pedestrian crashes and almost one-fourth (1/4) of fatal bicycle crashes occur in low-light or dark conditions. According to Safe Kids, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year. Here are a few tips for motorists, pedestrians and parents to keep in mind.

Tips for Motorists

• Slow down. Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully.
• Be especially alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs. They’re excited – and they are not paying attention.
• Never drink and drive – tonight or any night. If you are partying, designate a driver.

Tips for Pedestrians (children and adults)

• Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right, and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while on the street.
• Walk – never run – from house to house or across the road.
• Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
• When crossing at an intersection with a traffic light, be sure to watch for turning cars. Obey all pedestrian signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.

Tips for Parents

• Adults should accompany children at all times and supervise their trick-or-treat activities.
• Teach children to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before they cross the street.
• Use a flashlight, and wear retro-reflective strips or patches on your clothing or costume to be more visible to motorists.
• Be certain that the mask does not obstruct vision or hearing.
• Ensure that costumes do not impede walking or driving ability.

By taking some extra time to make sure drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists obey the rules. Halloween can be a safe and fun time for all.