For young kids, Halloween is a fun-filled holiday that promises an abundance of candy and the opportunity to sport spooky costumes. For parents, the eeriest parts of Halloween have little to do with the costumes. 

Due to increased pedestrians, low visibility, and an abundance of distractions, Halloween night typically brings a surge of pedestrian fatalities, particularly among children. 

These tips will help keep your children and any trick-or-treaters visiting your home safe on Halloween night. 

Keeping your children safe while trick-or-treating

Make children visible

Visibility is one of the most important things to keep in mind when your kids are out trick-or-treating. Drivers may be distracted or overwhelmed by the number of pedestrians and the abundance of decorations to admire on Halloween night.

Have your children carry glow sticks and flashlights to help them stand out. Look for ways to incorporate reflective gear into their costumes, or have a member of the trick-or-treating party dress in bright colors to stand out. 

Reduce tripping hazards

Oversized costumes, wonky eye holes, and slippery conditions are a recipe for tripping. Have children wear their costumes around the house for a trial run before heading out trick-or-treating. Use this opportunity to adjust the costume length or enlarge the eye holes to ensure your child can move comfortably and see where they’re going.

Since walkways could be icy on Halloween night, encourage kids to walk, especially on stairs and crowded paths, to ensure they don’t accidentally slip or knock anyone else over. 

Have a safety strategy

Before heading out, discuss some general trick-or-treating safety rules with your kids. Create a plan for what to do if you become separated; it may be challenging to recognize your family or friends if everyone is dressed in costumes. 

If your children are trick-or-treating on their own with friends, establish a curfew or check-in time and have them tell you where they’re planning to go. 

Make your home trick-or-treater friendly

On the home front, keeping your walkways well-lit and clear of clutter will help prevent slip-and-fall accidents on your property. 

Make your Halloween display trip-proof by setting decor items a few feet back from paths and stairs since visitors may not stay on the path. Ensure no cords or wires are stretching across walkways.

Use flameless candles in your jack-o-lanterns, so there is no risk of fire if any of them is accidentally tipped over.  

Light your walkway and front steps to help any visitors navigate them safely. Motion-activated lights are a great way to do this! 

Whatever your Halloween plans entail, be aware of the increased safety risks on this night. Try to avoid driving after dark on Halloween because the visibility may be poor, and there are inevitably more pedestrians than usual.

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