There are so many things to love about fall.  Cool temperatures, sweaters, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice everything, and leaves changing colors.  It signifies the change of seasons, a bridge from the heat of summer to the cold of winter.  October highlights all of those beautiful concepts.  There’s nothing better than a walk in a park looking at the fall foliage.  The end of October brings one of my favorite events: Halloween.  I remember as a kid trying to come up with creative costumes, and meeting with friends to trick or treat.  What I didn’t know then, was that Halloween is a time of accidents.  Pedestrians are 50% more likely to die on Halloween than almost any other night of the year.  There are several ways to stay safe on Halloween.

1. If you’re a pedestrian, be on the lookout for cars that may not see you.  I know this sounds like the opposite of what you’d expect, since pedestrians have the right of way, but safety is never as easy as it sounds.  Be vigilant in looking both ways when you cross the street.  Of the pedestrian accidents that occur on Halloween, most are reported to be outside of crosswalks.  If your subdivision has cross walks, use them, or at least use the corner. Do not dart out between cars parked on the street.
2. Make sure you can be seen.  Most of the Halloween accidents happen after dark.  Use reflective tape or care a flashlight.  Glowsticks are another great option to stand out and make sure you are seen.  Choose your costume wisely or be creative to make lights or light colors work with your costume.  If you’re wearing a mask, make sure you can see out of eye slits.
3. Stay off lawns.  Not everyone likes or wants trick or treaters at their house.  Dark yards may have safety hazards such as tree stumps or roots, strings, gardening items, and many trip hazards.
4. Keep your emergency contact information with you.  If you’re not carrying a cell phone, and not with an adult, have something with you so a parent can be reached if an accident occurs.
5. Never accept a ride from a stranger.  Hopefully you are not out by yourself on Halloween, but if you are, never take a ride with someone you don’t know.
6. Stay with your group.  It’s easy to get distracted.  The decorations, the candy, and lots of people.  If you are with a group of people, stay with them.
7. If you in a car, make sure to keep an extra careful lookout for the little ones who are out and about, not paying attention.

These tips will keep both pedestrians and driver free from crashes, falls, and other kinds of injuries and accidents that can occur on Halloween.  Stay safe out there and have a great Halloween, no matter what you are doing.