It’s not surprising that Halloween is a favorite for parents and children! Kids love to dress up, go trick-or-treating, and eat candy. But, Halloween night can also be dangerous. Make sure to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and fun evening!

1. Enforce Traffic Safety on Halloween Night

Parents should never let their guard down, especially when it comes to following traffic safety. A recent study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that pedestrians are struck and killed 43% more on Halloween night than on any other Autumn nights. Parents and children should obey traffic signals, walk on sidewalks, and cross at crosswalks. And most importantly, parents need to put their phones away and keep their heads up!

2. Make Sure Everyone Follows Safety Protocols

Young children under the age of 12 should always have an adult present, but if your child is old enough to trick-or-treat with friends, make sure everyone stays together, is aware of what time to come home, and only trick-or-treats at houses with brightly-lit porches.

Children should also memorize their home phone number and address in case of an emergency. Parents should take one extra step and include a communications card with contact and medical information in their child’s costume.

3. See Something, Say Something

Make sure to remain vigilant throughout Halloween night, and if you notice any suspicious individuals or behaviors, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. Choose brightly-lit walking paths that you’re familiar with, and if necessary, make practice runs ahead of Halloween night.

4. Remain Alert While Driving on Halloween

Make sure to drive extra slow around neighborhoods with children present and keep an eye out for distracted walkers that might dart out into the street. If you’re pulling out of a parking space, look behind you, check your blind spots, and roll down the windows to listen for children.

5. Make Costume Safety a High Priority

Make sure to dress children in weather-appropriate layers, especially if Halloween night calls for rain or cold weather.

When choosing a costume:

• Add reflective tape or bright-colored materials.