Children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day
Halloween can be one of the most fun nights of the year for children across America, but for parents, it can be the most nerve-wracking as well. On average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year. By taking just a few simple precautions, kids, parents and drivers can make the night fun and safe and spooky for all the right reasons.
Tips for a Happy (and Safe) Halloween
Safe costumes:
1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colored clothing.
2. Full coverage face masks can obstruct a young child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible.
3. Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights so they can see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
Safe walking:
4. Stay alert – Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up, and don’t dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
5. Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
6. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
7. It’s best to cross the street safely at corners. And always look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Safe driving:
8. Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
9. Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
10. Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
About McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/CoastalMcLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. McLeod Safe Kids is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. McLeod Safe Kids, led by McLeod Health, was founded in 1994 and is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation. If you would like more information about safety topics, call (843) 777-5021 or visit McLeodSafeKids.org.
Original source can be found here.
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