(KOAM) – With Halloween just around the corner, Safe Kids.org is reminding parents and drivers to take extra precautions to ensure children have a safe and fun night. The organization is offering safety tips for walking, trick-or-treating and driving during the popular holiday period.
Walk safely:
Children must always use crosswalks and traffic lights and cross streets at corners. When crossing, it’s important to look left, then right, then left again, and keep looking as you walk. Teach your children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Lower your electronic devices and avoid running when crossing the road. Walking on the sidewalk is safest, but if a sidewalk is not available, children should walk toward the car as far to the left as possible. Warn children not to run into the road or cross between parked cars, and always watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
Costume safety:
Choose outfits with reflective tape or stickers, and opt for brightly colored clothing to increase visibility. Avoid masks that may obstruct your vision. Instead, use face paint or makeup to make yourself look more defined. Make sure your children have a siren or flashlight so they can be easily seen by drivers. Make sure your costume fits properly to avoid tripping or falling.
Drive safely, especially on Halloween:
Drivers should slow down and use extra caution in residential areas because children can be unpredictable and agitated. Be especially careful when entering and exiting driveways and alleys. Eliminate distractions, such as using your phone while driving. Turn on your headlights early in the day to spot children from a distance. Be especially careful during peak trick-or-treating hours from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Safe Kids.org encourages parents to participate trick-or-treating with children under 12 years of age. If older children go trick-or-treating alone, stay in well-lit, familiar areas and work in groups to increase safety.
For more Halloween safety tips, visit Safe Kids.org.
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