Kids "trunk-or-treat" at the Utah chapter of the Huntington Disease Society of America's annual Halloween Carnival and fundraiser. (Courtesy Utah HDSA)
SALT LAKE CITY – On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to health.utah.gov.
During Halloween, children get so excited about candy and going out with friends that they forget to watch what’s going on around them.
The Salt Lake City Police Department encourages sharing the following tips to make this Halloween safer for your children and friends.
– Always trick-or-treat with an adult until at least age 12.
– Trick-or-treat in familiar areas/neighborhoods where houses are well lit.
– Do not enter homes or apartments unless an adult is present.
– Before crossing the street look left, right, and left again before proceeding.
– Cross streets using the correct crosswalks and traffic signals.
– Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars turning and backing up.
– If there is no sidewalk to use, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
– Never run or dart into the street or cross in between parked cars.
– Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
– Parents should look over trick-or-treat candy.
– Wear light-colored, flame resistant, costumes decorated reflective tape or stickers.
– Wear face paint and makeup instead of a mask that can obstruct children’s vision.
– Wear well-fitted shoes to prevent from tripping or falling.
– Weapons used with the costume should be soft and flexible material.
– Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers.
– Drive slowly and be ready for heavy pedestrian traffic.
– Drive with full headlights on so you can spot children from greatest distances.
– Take the time to actively look for children at intersections, on medians and curbs.
– Remember children are unpredictable and excited on a holiday like Halloween.
– Reduce every distraction you may have in your car so you can concentrate on nothing but the road and people on it.
(Photo credit: SafeKids.org/Halloween)
