Halloween is an exciting time for our kids. They have trick or treating, classroom parties and trips to neighborhood haunted houses. When it comes to our kids, there is a fine line between fun and safety concerns especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. According to Injury Facts in 2016, 7330 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic incidents. Which included those on driveways, in parking lots or on private property. Through the National Safety Council reveals that 18% of these incidences have occurred at road crossings and intersections. During Halloween, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed than any other day of the year. In 2017 October was ranked the second highest month of motor vehicle deaths at 3700 deaths, versus July being the most deaths at 3830.
Costume Safety
The Academy of Pediatrics has some tips on making sure your child's costume is safe for going out at night.
- All costumes, wings, and accessories should be fire resistant
- Avoid masks which can obstruct vision
- If the child is allowed after dark, attach reflective tape to their costumes and bags. They can use glow sticks
- When buying a Halloween costume, make sure the makeup is non-toxic and always test on the skin first.
- Make sure all makeup is cleaned up before going to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Safety while out and about the Neighborhood
- A responsible adult should accompany the young children when prowling through the neighborhood
- If the older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
- Agree on a specific time the children should return home
- Teach your children never to enter strangers home or car
- Instructor children to stick to familiar areas and close to their friends.
- Tell your children not to eat any special treats until they get home
- Children and adults are reminded to put all electronic devices away and look both ways before crossing the streets.
Safety Tips for Motorists
According to the National Safety Council, there are some safety tips to the motorist when driving around with the tricker treaters are on the prowl.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs
- Enter and exit driveway, and alley carefully
- In Twilight or after dark watch out for kids in dark clothing.
- Discourage new and inexperienced drivers from driving during Halloween.
On Behalf of The Beating Heart Center, we wish you and your family a safe and fun Halloween. We hope you are scared by the ghosts and goblins, not an actual emergency.
