Be Spooky, But Stay Safe: Trick-Or-Treating Tips

WILTON, CT — Halloween is just around the corner, and it's important to bear in mind that America's spookiest holiday is far from its safest.

“Unfortunately, we see an increase in child fatalities on Halloween,” says Wilton State Farm Agent Karen O’Brien. “There is a national average of 5.5 pedestrian fatalities each year on Halloween, which is more than two times the average of fatalities for other days.” Statistics show 23 percent of fatalities occur with children between the ages of five and eight; and 70 percent of accidents occur away from an intersection or crosswalk.

“Whether you’re trick-or-treating, driving or passing out treats at home, it’s important to remember these simple, but important safety tips,” says O'Brien.

If you’re going door-to-door:

• Always accompany young children
• Use caution during the “scariest” hours: between 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Studies show the hour between 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. is especially dangerous for pedestrian accidents.
• Stick to neighborhoods with sidewalks. If you must walk on the street, keep to the far left, facing traffic.
• Practice safe crossing procedures: Use crosswalk; wait for corners; and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Stick reflective tape onto costumes to make your child more visible. Also have him/her carry a flashlight.
• Make sure costumes and shoes are the correct size to prevent tripping. Use face paint and leave masks at home. Masks can obstruct vision.
• If an older child is venturing out without supervision, ask him/her to go with a group. Discuss the route and agree on a curfew. Give older kids cell phones so they can stay in touch.

If you’re driving:

• Be alert for children and eliminate in-car distractions.
• Drive slowly.
• Practice extra caution at intersections and corners.
• Pull in and out of driveways carefully.

If you’re handing out treats:

• Keep your home brightly lit.
• Clear debris and other obstacles from your lawn, sidewalks and steps.
• Opt for battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns instead of candles.
• Keep pets kenneled or in another room.

Photo contributed.