According to the most recently available data, Halloween is the most dangerous night for children to walk the streets. In fact, the average pedestrian fatality rate of 2.6 raised to an average of 5.5 on Halloween from 1990 to 2010, and over 50 percent of these fatalities were children aged five to 15.

Furthermore, Halloween is the third-deadliest day for pedestrians overall.

Motorists should practice extra caution when heading out for October festivities. Drive slower than you normally would and keep an eye out when making turns or hugging curbs. Children are more easily distracted on Halloween and even if they look both ways, they may still not actually see you. Spend extra time at crosswalks, making sure you fully stop and allow families to cross the road.

Parents and caregivers should avoid dressing their children in all dark colors and add light-reflective materials to costumes. Children should also be escorted instead of sent off on their own. Halloween can be safe and fun at the same time.

We here at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz want to see everyone as safe as possible this Halloween. There is nothing more saddening than tragedy on a night consumed with the enthusiasm and creativity of childhood imagination. We care about our community and wish you all a safe and spooky Halloween.

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