Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Halloween brings an increase in both pedestrian traffic and drunk driving. With that in mind, AAA is encouraging parents to take time to make their children and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Here are a few ways adults can help keep trick-or-treaters safe, according to AAA:
• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility;
• Have trick-or-treaters use glow sticks or wear reflective tape on
costumes and on treat buckets;
• Ensure disguises don’t obstruct vision and avoid full facemasks;
• Ask an adult or older child to supervise children under age 12;
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes;
• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage;
• Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
Trick-or-treaters are urged to stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. AAA says it's best to have kids trick-or-treat in groups, since it's easier for motorists to see multiple people. Kids should also tell their parents where they are going and carry a flashlight.
