There are few things in this world better than free candy! Halloween is just around the corner, and we have some tips to share for safe trick or treating.
We have split the tips up into a few different categories covering safe costumes, walking, and more.
The Walk
First up, this section is called “The Walk” because that’s exactly what you should be doing! There’s plenty of time to fill up your candy bags, so there’s no need to run.
When walking, teach your kids to always use the sidewalk and crosswalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk against traffic, as far left as possible. They should also keep an eye out for decorations that might obstruct their path or cars pulling out of driveways.
Finally, if they’re old enough to head out on their own, make sure they have a group to go with. Make sure to set a curfew time, so you know when to expect them.
The Costume
Whatever they choose to dress up as, kids should have a full range of motion and a costume that fits properly. The last thing you want is to be tripping over your costume all night.
Next, while masks can be a lot of fun, they definitely restrict vision. The best option is to forgo the mask and use face paint instead. Just make sure to test it beforehand to make sure it doesn’t irritate their skin. If the mask is a must, have them keep the mask off while walking and just put it on when they knock on doors.
High visibility is also extremely important. Even if they head out pretty early, they aren’t going to be outside when it’s bright and sunny. There are tons of ways to make them stand out including attaching glow sticks to their wrists, adding some reflective accessories, or picking up some glow in the dark tape to add to their costume.
Check Out Another Blog: School Safety Tips For Teachers!
For Drivers
With all the distractions, extra foot traffic, and parties, Halloween night sees a large jump in fatal car crashes. Between 2004 and 2018, there were only two years when the rate of fatal wrecks wasn’t higher than that day’s yearly average.
For young drivers (under 18), the rate of fatal crashes nearly doubles the average for the rest of the year, from 4.2 to 8.3.
Making Halloween a safe experience isn’t just up to trick or treaters, it’s also about being a more alert driver.
- Just for one night, turn off the music and stay highly focused on the road.
- Avoid taking calls, even using hands-free devices.
- Slow down.
- Stop for a few extra seconds at stop signs to look for anyone crossing.
- Turn your headlights on a little bit earlier than usual.
- Enter and exit driveways and low visibility areas very slowly. You might even want to give a light honk or two.
Checking Treats
Here’s the good news: The age old tale of checking treats to find a razor blade hidden in your apple, just aren’t true.
“Halloween Sadism”, as it has been dubbed, is the act of purposefully contaminating treats during trick-or-treating. However, the actual reported cases of this occurring are incredibly rare and even when they are, they are often misreported.
There is little harm in asking your kids to hold off eating any candy until you check it at home, however, just be sure not to focus all your attention on this false boogeyman. Car accidents and increased sugar intake are astronomically more common and your efforts are best spent making those things as safe as possible.
We hope you find these safe trick or treating tips useful. Happy Halloween!
