Halloween is fun for kids, but parents have every reason to be concerned about safety on the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. Children are more than twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
What you can do to keep your children safe as they trick-or-treat in Paducah
- Accompany kids under 12 while trick-or-treating to ensure they are following safety procedures.
- Walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If not, walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible.
- Be cautious at road crossings and intersections, which is where nearly 18% of motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents happen. Always follow the rules of the road and abide by traffic signals at crosswalks.
- Choose costumes carefully. If an outfit is too dark, it will be difficult for motorists to see your child. If the costume is hard to see, have your child carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear.
- If your child’s costume requires a facial component, use face paint instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct your child’s vision and face paint can achieve the same effect safely.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street in front of a vehicle.
- Put electronic devices down and watch where you–and your kids–are going.
Safe pedestrian habits are important every day of the year, but especially on Halloween. It’s the busiest pedestrian night of the year, and drivers are often distracted. It is a dangerous combination. Make sure to talk to your kids to ensure that everyone in the family knows how to have a spooky but safe holiday.