Trick or Treat?

Halloween is an exciting time for kids, my daughter cannot stop talking about it, her costume and she is genuinely excited.  Most kids in my neighborhood are like that, especially the younger ones.   It is a time to get dressed up, walk around and get CANDY!!!

Most adults I know are not as excited, the sugar aside, there are real concerns about this “over-hyped” holiday.  According to a Harris Interactive poll from 2010, 41% of adults feel this is a dangerous holiday.

There is reason for that.   Foreign objects in apples, tainted candy, dog attacks and any number of accidents involving our children. Halloween’s past tricks give us reason to be concerned.

How do we make this holiday less scary?   Here are so simple suggestions, which could help make the night less spooky for you the parent.

Flashlights, make sure your kids have them and they are being used as the kids go house to house.   The flashlight helps others, especially other drivers, see your kids.  All Hallows Eve is usually pretty dark, on average the Moon is full on Halloween once every 28 years.   In 2012 the Moon will be full two days before Halloween.

Reflective tape is typically is not part of the kids costume, but it is the best accessory.  Small kids and dark costumes are a recipe for a ghoulish results.

Talk to your children about using the sidewalks whenever possible, if not possible to be as far to the left side of the street as possible, walking against traffic.   Being able to see oncoming cars is important to as it allows for reaction time and it is typically easier for the pedestrian to react vs. the car.

Work one side of the street instead of going across the street, this way you minimize the running to and from houses and opposite traffic flow.

The mask is a great part of the costume, but it does not help the child’s visibility.  Try and limit the masks, but if they insist, you insist it is off while they are walking house to house – so they can see where they are going.

As a parent, walk with your child, there is no reason for any kids to be out and about by themselves on Halloween!

If you are driving on Halloween, you really have to pay extra special attention, children are twice as likely to be hurt in an accident involving a vehicle on Halloween versus any other night.  With so many children out and about, it is critical as a driver you are really focused on your surroundings and driving.  No distracted driving, no cell phones and there is no reason to speed, for every ones safety.

Finally, know where your older children are and who they are with, teens can get themselves in trouble on Halloween and for the most inexperienced drivers, it is definitely not good night for them to be out driving without adult supervision.

DefensiveDriving.com wishes you a scary safe Halloween!!!!  Remember the best offense is a good defense and a good defensive driver is a mature driver!