Halloween might be scary for different reasons than you think.  On average, twice as many kids are involved in pedestrian/vehicle crashes while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year.  With a few tips and tricks, kids can stay safe while out walking.

Safe Kids Grand Forks and the North Dakota Safety Council offer these safety tips to parents and caregivers as they plan for this year’s events:

• Costumes can be both creative and safe. The most important thing is to make sure you can be seen by drivers. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct your vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible.
• Remind kids to only cross the street at street corners and always look carefully for traffic, especially if the outdoor weather conditions cause the roads to be slippery.
• If kids are trick-or treating in a vehicle, they need to be in an appropriate car or booster seat or seat belt while driving. Always have them exit on the grass or curb side of the vehicle.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• Wear masks when trick or treating.
• Sanitize your hands before consuming your candy.
• Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours. Drivers should slow down and watch for kids that may be eager to get from one house to the next.
• Encourage kids to attend indoor trick-or-treating events or activities. This will allow them to have fun but not be exposed to traffic.