Halloween Safety

When Halloween arrives, ghouls and goblins emerge to festively trick-or-treat in the chill of the night, but don't let these frightful beings scare away your common sense. For pedestrians, Halloween is one of the three deadliest days, according to a March 2005 study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are a few safety tricks - or treats - to follow if you're on the streets on Halloween.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Keep a lookout for stray spirits. Excited children could run into the street without looking, so it's your responsibility as a driver to be aware of your surroundings. Drive slowly and make sure you check the side of the road frequently.

Look before backing out of driveways. Checking behind you is just as important as checking beside or in front of you. If you're backing out of your driveway or another space, be extra mindful of what's behind your car.

Avoid talking on the phone. Put your cell phone down - especially on Halloween. Having the least amount of distractions during heavy foot traffic can only benefit you.

Avoid texting. Don't just avoid calls while you're driving. Refrain from sending text messages while you're in the driver's seat. Remember, the fewer distractions you have means more time to concentrate on driving safely.

Safety Tips for Walkers

Glow in the dark. Whether you're in costume or accompanying trick-or-treaters, make sure you're visible in the dark. Glow sticks are a fun accessory for kids, and they can help keep children more visible as they dart down sidewalks and yards - just make sure they're handled appropriately. Another option: Reflective tape on clothes and shoes. If you're lucky, you may even find a glow-in-the-dark costume. Or, carry a flashlight if you're in a pinch.

Talk to strangers only with parental permission. Make sure your kids understand when it's OK to talk to strangers. It's acceptable to chant "trick or treat" at someone's door, but it's not OK to have conversations with passing strangers if you're not with your kids.

Know your safety plan. Make sure your children know the routine if they're unwittingly separated from you in the mass of monsters. Practice the safety plan before you leave the house, and make sure your children know pertinent information, such as phone numbers to call, if they find themselves on their own. It may be a good idea to give them a cell phone if you have a spare, too.