DENVER (KDVR) — It’s almost time to don the costumes and break out the candy sack since Halloween is quickly approaching, and doctors say the scariest thing this season could be cars.
“Unfortunately, Halloween is the holiday that has the highest amount of pedestrian fatalities for kids,” said Britney Lombard, an injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “Actually twice as many as any other night.”
There could be a variety of reasons for this, but usually, the number of kids on the roads and sidewalks, low visibility and the possibility of impaired drivers all come together to create the perfect storm.
“The risk is really great, so we want to make sure that both drivers and kids who are trick-or-treating are being safe for their night,” Lombard said.
Safety tips for trick-or-treaters in neighborhoods
First, it is recommended children 12 and under are accompanied by an adult, and that they choose a route they know well.
“Make sure that you’re following all of the regular traffic rules so crossing at crosswalks, don’t run across the road, looking for cars,” Lombard said.
That also goes along with walking defensively and being aware of your surroundings.
“Don’t walk around looking at your phone, or with headphones in,” Lombard said.
Next, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing your costume. Lombard suggested putting reflective tape on it, or a popular method is carrying or even wearing glow sticks.
“Even carrying a flashlight can really help improve your visibility,” Lombard advised.
As it gets dark, the risk increases. Lombard said drivers may not be as cautious the later it gets, assuming trick-or-treating is over. There is also the possibility of more impaired drivers on the road.
Safety tips for drivers
For drivers, Halloween is an especially important time to be mindful of pedestrians. Lombard said backing out of driveways can be particularly dangerous. While it is a good idea to be looking in all your mirrors and out your windows, Lombard also recommends rolling down your window to listen for children who may run out behind you.
“Kids are so excited on Halloween, they just want to dart across the road to get to the next house and they don’t have the impulse control always to stay until the car passes. So, make sure you’re keeping an eye out, take your time, go a little bit slower than normal.”
Safety tips for getting to trick-or-treat
Something Lombard said parents don’t always take into account is making sure a costume is suitable for a booster or car seat.
“Underneath that car seat or booster seat, we don’t want a lot of bulky layers that could compress in a crash or give a child too much space to move,” Lombard said.
If a child chooses an extra puffy or bulky costume like a princess dress with a full skirt or a muscular superhero, Lombard recommends wearing an under-layer and then changing into the costume when you arrive at your location.
Candy and tampering
There is always a concern for candy tampering or poisoning, but Lombard said it is pretty rare. Regardless, she said parents should check over their children’s Halloween candy, and throw out any pieces that may have been opened or damaged.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
