Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips for Halloween

Ask any child and he or she will agree: Halloween is one of the funnest times of the year. On October 31, children can dress up while filling their bags with candy. Unfortunately, though, Halloween also has a high rate of pedestrian fatality, roughly twice the rate of an average day. Therefore, it's important for parents and children alike to follow some basic safety precautions when trick-or-treating.

Choose Well-Lit Route

Don't wait until Halloween to choose a trick-or-treating route. Instead, plan your route beforehand, ensuring that it has functional street lights to illuminate the road. Lighting is essential to the visibility of trick-or-treaters as well as motorists. And without proper lighting, there's an increased risk of accidents happening.

Bring Flashlights

Even if the route is well lit, you should still bring and use a flashlight. Carrying a flashlight while trick-or-treating allows motorists to see exactly where you and your kids are. And if there's an area where the street lights are out, you can use the flashlights to safely navigate the streets.

Only Go to Houses With Lights On

One of the unwritten rules of trick-or-treating is to only visit houses with the lights on. If a house has the lights off, it's safe to assume the homeowner isn't there, or he or she doesn't celebrate Halloween. Regardless, you should only visit houses with the lights on.

Wear a 'Visible' Costume

Not all Halloween costumes are easy to see. And if motorists can't see you, it creates a dangerous scenario while increasing the risk of an accident. This is why all trick-or-treaters should wear a highly visible costume consisting of either bright colors or reflective tape. Wearing an all-black costume, for instance, is probably one of the worst ideas. A simple solution, however, is to wrap some reflective tap around your arm.

Bring a Cellphone

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should bring a cellphone when trick-or-treating. If you get lost or otherwise need help, assistance is just a phone call away.

Cross Street at Crosswalks

Don't assume the right of way when crossing roads on Halloween. When you are ready to cross the street, find a nearby crosswalk and use it as a group.

These are just a few tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween.