On Halloween night the streets are going to be crawling with ghosts and goblins, princesses and cute pink bunnies. Halloween is a wonderful holiday. Trick-or-treaters take to the streets in a mad rush for candy as parents chase after them often barking commands like, “wait;” “Look before you cross the street;” and of course, “no you can’t eat anymore candy.”

While parents are out in order to keep their kids safe, the infectious enthusiasm of the night’s events tend to distract even the most guarded parents. Everyone must play a role in keeping kids safe on Halloween night.

With increased foot traffic and the fact that our trick-or-treaters take to the streets at night, the potential for automobile related accidents with young pedestrians increases four times. Excited trick-or-treaters may not stick to the sidewalks as their need to gather the most candy distracts them from the safety rules. Kids will have a tendency to dart out in the most unexpected places – the most common being between parked cars.

Here are some driving tips to help everyone have a safe Halloween.

Tips for Drivers

  • Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating.
  • Reduce your distractions and pay close attention to the road ahead.
  • Enter and exit driveways slowly.
  • Do not pass vehicles that have stopped in the roadway, they could be dropping off children.
  • Pay extra attention, particularly at crosswalks, intersections and the side of the road.
  • Keep scanning all around you as you drive and be aware of your surroundings.

Tips for Parents

  • Stay close to your children to help ensure their safety particularly at crosswalks, intersections while walking along the side of the road.
  • Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
  • Get out and walk with your kids instead of following closely behind in your vehicle. This will reduce the amount of vehicle traffic on the roads.
  • If you have to pull over to drop off or pick up your kids, don’t stop in the middle of the road. Pull over to the side and use your hazard lights.
  • Make your vehicle recognizable to your kids by decorating it as it is easy for your child to mistake another vehicle for your own.