Halloween: A Night for Treats, Not Tragedies

What You Need to Know to Keep Your Kids Safe on Halloween?

When it comes to preventing injury and keeping your kids safe on Halloween we have found that repeated and consistent messages are the keys to safety.
Our research reveals that parents may be placing their children in harm’s way by failing to talk to them each and every year about Halloween safety.
Given children’s limited attention spans, as well as their ever-evolving cognitive abilities, you must review all the correct behaviors with your children to help them be safe. Make sure to review our safety tips before you headout trick-or-treating.
Did you know that on average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween as compared to any other day of the year?

Kids will be out while it is dark – making it harder for drivers to see them and because they’re excited about getting candy, they may not be watching out for cars.
Parents and drivers both need to do their part to help kids stay out of the emergency room on Halloween. Emphasize safe pedestrian behaviors to kids before they go out trick-or-treating.
Parents should also remember that costumes can be both creative and safe, so look for ways to use reflective materials.
Drivers must slow down and watch out for trick-or-treaters, especially around crosswalks and driveways.

Top tips to keep your kids safe on Halloween

For parents and children:

Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don't run, across the street.

For drivers:

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.

Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Costumes and Treats

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility.

Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup.

Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers.

Liquid in glow sticks is hazardous, so parents should remind children not to chew on or break them.

Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.

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