Halloween can be a lot of fun for parents and kids alike - if everybody remembers the tricks and treats of playing it safe with Street Smarts.
5 Street Smarts Tips for Trick or Treating
When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers, and if possible, choose light colors.
Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
Try non-toxic face paint and make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child's vision - a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down streets.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
5 Street Smarts Tips for Walking Safely on Halloween
Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run across the street.
Watch for cars that are turning or backing-up. Avoid darting out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Remind your child of everyday safety tips like looking left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distracted walking; pedestrians need undivided attention to the road just as cars do.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
Drive with Street Smarts on Halloween
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Get rid of distractions such as electronic devices. Concentrate your attention on the road.
Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.